bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atrial signal amplitude predicts atrial high‐rate episodes in implantable cardioverter defibrillator patients: Insights from a large database of remote monitoring transmissions
Authors: Zecchin Massimo , Solimene Francesco , D'Onofrio Antonio , Zanotto Gabriele , Iacopino Saverio , Pignalberi Carlo , Calvi Valeria , Maglia Giampiero , Della Bella Paolo , Quartieri Fabio , Curnis Antonio , Biffi Mauro , Capucci Alessandro , Caravati Fabrizio , Senatore Gaetano , Santamaria Matteo , Lissoni Fabio , Manzo Michele , Marini Massimiliano , Giammaria Massimo , Rapacciuolo Antonio , Sinagra Gianfranco , Giacopelli Daniele , Gargaro Alessio , Pisanò Ennio C.
Published: March 2020

Background

Parameters measured during implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implant also depend on bioelectrical properties of the myocardium. We aimed to explore their potential association with clinical outcomes in patients with single/dual‐chamber ICD and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT‐D).

Methods

In the framework of the Home Monitoring Expert Alliance, baseline electrical parameters for all implanted leads were compared by the occurrence of all‐cause mortality, adjudicated ventricular arrhythmia (VA), and atrial high‐rate episode lasting ≥24 hours (24 h AHRE).

Results

In a cohort of 2976 patients (58.1% ICD) with a median follow‐up of 25 months, event rates were 3.1/100 patient‐years for all‐cause mortality, 18.1/100 patient‐years for VA, and 9.3/100 patient‐years for 24 h AHRE. At univariate analysis, baseline shock impedance was consistently lower in groups with events than without, with a 40 Ω cutoff that better identified high‐risk patients. However, at multivariable analysis, the adjusted‐hazard ratios (HRs) lost statistical significance for any endpoint. Baseline atrial sensing amplitude during sinus rhythm was lower in patients with 24 h AHRE than in those without (2.45 [IQR: 1.65‐3.85] vs 3.51 [IQR: 2.37‐4.67] mV, P < .01). The adjusted HR for 24 h AHRE in patients with atrial sensing >1.5 mV vs those with values ≤1.5 mV was 0.52 (95% CI: 0.33‐0.83), P = .006.

Conclusions

Although lower baseline shock impedance was observed in patients with events, the association lost statistical significance at multivariable analysis. Conversely, low sinus rhythm atrial sensing (≤1.5 mV) measured with standard transvenous leads could identify subjects at high risk of atrial arrhythmia.
Patients’ perceptions regarding pharmacists’ healthcare services: the case of Lebanon
Authors: Tawil Samah , Sacre Hala , Sili Georges , Salameh Pascale
Published: March 2020

Background

Community pharmacists are involved in a variety of important patient‐oriented activities. Patients generally agree that their interaction with pharmacists improves health outcomes. In Lebanon, patients’ perceptions regarding the role of community pharmacists remain largely unknown.

Aim

This study assessed participants’ perceptions of services provided in community pharmacies compared with those provided in primary healthcare centres (dispensaries).

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted from June until November 2017. In all, 1070 participants completed a self‐administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were calculated using mean and standard deviation for continuous measures, counts and percentages for categorical variables.

Results

Although 85% of participants thought that community pharmacists were responsible for their health security and medication safety, 30% believed that the only role of community pharmacists was to dispense medications and only 33.4% found the services provided by dispensaries trustworthy. Most (65%) participants agreed that the personnel working at the dispensaries do not have appropriate qualifications. When asked about the quality of medications, 68% of respondents trusted the quality of drugs available in community pharmacies, compared with 34.4% for drugs from dispensaries.

Conclusions

The results show an acceptable level of satisfaction regarding healthcare services provided in community pharmacies from patients’ perspectives compared with services offered by primary healthcare centres. Community pharmacists should interact more with patients and guide them to appropriate medication use, whereas dispensaries should abide by the existing laws and employ a pharmacist to supervise the dispensing of medications.
Assessment of textbook oncologic outcomes following pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sweigert Patrick J. , Eguia Emanuel , Baker Marshall S. , Paredes Anghela Z. , Tsilimigras Diamantis I. , Dillhoff Mary , Ejaz Aslam , Cloyd Jordan , Tsung Allan , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: March 2020

Background

Composite outcomes may more accurately reflect patient and provider expectations around optimal care. We sought to determine the impact of achieving a so‐called “textbook oncologic outcome” (TOO) among patients undergoing resection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Methods

Patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for PDAC between 2006 and 2016 were identified in the National Cancer Database (NCDB). TOO was defined by: margin negative resection, compliant lymph node evaluation, no prolonged length‐of‐stay, no 30‐day readmission/mortality, and receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy. Factors associated with TOO and overall survival (OS) were evaluated using multivariable logistic and Cox regression models, respectively.

Results

Among 18 608 patients who underwent PD at 782 hospitals, many patients successfully achieved certain TOO factors such as R0 margin (77.9%) and no 30‐day mortality (96.9%), while other TOO criteria such as receipt of adjuvant therapy (48.2%) were achieved less frequently. Overall, only 3124 (16.8%) patients achieved a TOO. Factors associated with lower odds of TOO included: older age, Black race, Medicaid insurance, Community facility, and low PD facility (<20 PD/y) (all P < .05). Achievement of a TOO was associated with lower risk of mortality (HR 0.74; 95% CI, 0.70‐0.77).

Conclusions

While TOO was associated with improved long‐term survival, TOO was only achieved in 16.8% of patients undergoing PD.
Will Lynx Lose Their Edge? Canada Lynx Occupancy in Washington
Authors: King Travis W. , Vynne Carly , Miller David , Fisher Scott , Fitkin Scott , Rohrer John , Ransom Jason I. , Thornton Daniel
Published: March 2020

Populations of species located at southern range edges may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change as warming temperatures and subsequent changes to ecosystems exceed species‐specific tolerances. One such species is Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis), a cold‐adapted mesocarnivore that maintains a large core population in Alaska, USA, and Canada but exists within several peripheral populations in the contiguous United States. Increases in temperature, declines in snow pack, and climate‐influenced increases in fire frequency and intensity, could negatively affect lynx populations, threatening their long‐term persistence in the continental United States. Despite these threats, our understanding of broad‐scale effects on lynx occupancy and the extent of current lynx distribution in many of these peripheral populations is minimal. We conducted an occupancy survey of lynx in Washington, USA, using a spatially extensive camera‐trapping array covering 7,000 km2 of potential lynx habitat. We used the resulting database of detection data to develop single‐season occupancy models to examine the abiotic and biotic effects on current lynx occupancy and predict future lynx distribution based on climate change forecasts. Our results show lynx occupancy across the Washington landscape is restricted and dictated largely by abiotic factors, disturbance regimes, and distance from source populations in Canada. Predictions of future distribution suggest lynx will be increasingly challenged by climatic changes, particularly at the southern and lower elevation portions of their range in Washington. Our results paint an alarming picture for lynx persistence in Washington that is relevant to current deliberations regarding lynx delisting from the Endangered Species Act. Our simple camera design was a highly effective method for surveying lynx across broad spatial scales, and could be a key monitoring tool for lynx that is easy to implement by researchers and government agencies. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Plasma Ceramides and Sphingomyelins of Pediatric Patients Increase in Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia but Decrease in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Bal Topçu Dilara , Tugcu Gokcen , Ozcan Filiz , Aslan Mutay , Yalcinkaya Ahmet , Polat Sanem Eryilmaz , Hizal Mina , Yalcin Ebru Elmas , Ersoz Deniz Dogru , Ozcelik Ugur , Kiper Nural , Lay Incilay , Oztas Yesim
Published: March 2020

We investigated plasma sphingomyelin (CerPCho) and ceramide (Cer) levels in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). Plasma samples were obtained from CF (n = 19) and PCD (n = 7) patients at exacerbation, discharge, and stable periods. Healthy children (n = 17) of similar age served as control. Levels of 16–24 CerPCho and 16–24 Cer were measured by LC–MS/MS. Concentrations of all CerPCho and Cer species measured at exacerbation were significantly lower in patients with CF than PCD. 16, 18, 24 CerPCho, and 22, 24 Cer in exacerbation; 18, 24 CerPCho, and 18, 20, 22, 24 Cer at discharge; 18, 24 CerPCho and 24 Cer at stable period were significantly lower in CF patients than healthy children (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05). All CerPCho and Cer levels of PCD patients were significantly higher except 24 CerPCho and 24 Cer during exacerbation, 24 CerPCho at discharge, and 18, 22 CerPCho levels at stable period (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05) compared with healthy children. There was no significant difference among exacerbation, discharge, and stable periods in each group for Cer and CerPCho levels. This is the first study measuring plasma Cer and CerPCho levels in PCD and third study in CF patients. The dramatic difference in plasma levels of most CerPCho and Cer species found between two diseases suggest that cilia pathology in PCD and CFTR mutation in CF seem to alter sphingolipid metabolism possibly in opposite directions.
Adaptive feeding in the American oyster Crassostrea virginica: Complex impacts of pulsatile flow during pseudofecal ejection events
Authors: Wang Linlin , Song Junting , Bi Hongsheng , Gray Matthew , Fan Chunlei , Liu Ming , Mao Xian‐Zhong
Published: March 2020

Adaptive feeding is a strategy used by many organisms to maintain growth and reproduction success while encountering varying feeding conditions. Oysters are sessile benthic and non‐siphon filter feeders. Oysters are well adapted to modify the ambient microenvironment through their pumping behavior and particle selection activity. Rejection of unsuitable food particulates bound in pseudofeces via ejection events are an integral part of oyster feeding during which oysters produced strong flow opposite to their inhalant feeding flow. The strong opposite pulsatile flow during the ejection event inevitably disrupts the oyster's normal feeding cycle, but how oysters restart their feeding and allocate their energy consumption during an ejection event has not been investigated. The present study used particle image velocimetry (PIV) to examine the impact of ejection events on the feeding of the American oyster, Crassostrea virginica. The strong pulsatile flow resulting from pseudofecal ejection altered the external flow fields by moving water away from the shell. The initial feeding zone after pseudofecal ejection was relatively narrow, possessed a low pulsatile flow, and did not exploit the full flow field. The feeding zone gradually expanded as the pulsatile flow weakened. The strong shear rate at the stable feeding zone then sustained the feeding flow that facilitated oyster feeding. Furthermore, the volumetric fluxes often increased after the ejection event, suggesting increase in feeding efficiency after ejection events. These PIV studies provide new insight on the interactions between feeding oysters and the surrounding physical environment at small yet ecologically relevant scales.
All‐Photonic Miniature Perovskite Encoder with a Terahertz Bandwidth
Authors: Zhong Yichi , Tang Bing , Fei Meng , Jie Qi , Tan Jiqing , Wang Qiangqiang , Liang Shuang , Du Junjie , Zhang Long , Dong Hongxing , Xie Wei
Published: March 2020

Perovskites—energy‐conversion materials with light‐absorbing and electronic transport properties—have shown excellent features for developing photovoltaic devices and novel light sources. It is an open challenge to extend the application of perovskites, such as to the field of ultrafast information coding. This work demonstrates a terahertz coding of optical polarization degree based on a metal halide perovskite nanostructure. Sub‐micrometer spheres of all‐inorganic CsPbBr3 perovskite are fabricated with high quality and stability. By employing this perovskite nanostructure, the ultrafast coding of degree of linear polarization (DLP) is achieved with a tunable bandwidth of up to 0.1 THz. Moreover, the DLP coding can be combined with the coding of another parameter, i.e., the shape of the lasing pulse, which improves the high‐bandwidth encoder from binary to ternary. The all‐photonic miniature encoder generates multiple‐parameter THz code sequences, stimulating the development of perovskite‐based microdevices for ultrafast information processing.
Summary of second annual MCBK public meeting: Mobilizing Computable Biomedical Knowledge—A movement to accelerate translation of knowledge into action
Authors: Richesson Rachel L. , Bray Bruce E. , Dymek Christine , Greenes Robert A. , McIntosh Leslie D. , Middleton Blackford , Perry Gerald , Platt Jodyn , Shaffer Christopher
Published: March 2020

The volume of biomedical knowledge is growing exponentially and much of this knowledge is represented in computer executable formats, such as models, algorithms and programmatic code. There is a growing need to apply this knowledge to improve health in Learning Health Systems, health delivery organizations, and other settings. However, most organizations do not yet have the infrastructure required to consume and apply computable knowledge, and national policies and standards adoption are not sufficient to ensure that it is discoverable and used safely and fairly, nor is there widespread experience in the process of knowledge implementation as clinical decision support. The Mobilizing Computable Biomedical Knowledge (MCBK) community formed in 2016 to address these needs. This report summarizes the main outputs of the Second Annual MCBK public meeting, which was held at the National Institutes of Health on July 18‐19, 2019 and brought together over 150 participants from various domains to frame and address important dimensions for mobilizing CBK.
Use of Hepatitis C Nucleic Acid Test–Positive Liver Allografts in Hepatitis C Virus Seronegative Recipients
Authors: Anwar Nadeem , Kaiser Tiffany E. , Bari Khurram , Schoech Michael , Diwan Tayyab S. , Cuffy Madison C. , Silski Latifa , Quillin Ralph C. , Safdar Kamran , Shah Shimul A.
Published: March 2020

Because of underutilization of liver allografts, our center previously showed that hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody–positive/nucleic acid test (NAT)–negative livers when transplanted into HCV nonviremic recipients were safe with a 10% risk of HCV transmission. Herein, we present our single‐center prospective experience of using HCV NAT+ liver allografts transplanted into HCV NAT– recipients. An institutional review board–approved matched cohort study was conducted examining post– liver transplantation (LT) outcomes of HCV– patients who received HCV NAT+ organs (treatment group) compared with matched recipients with HCV NAT– organs (matched comparator group) between June 2018 to October 2019. The primary endpoint was success of HCV treatment and elimination of HCV infection. The secondary outcomes included the 30‐day and 1‐year graft and patient survival as well as perioperative complications. There were 32 recipients enrolled into each group. Because of 1 death in the index admission, 30/31 patients (97%) were given HCV treatment at a median starting time of 47 days (18‐140 days) after LT. A total of 19 (63%) patients achieved sustained virological response at week 12 (SVR12). Another 6 patients achieved end‐of‐treatment response, while 5 remained on therapy and 1 is yet to start treatment. No HCV treatment failure has been noted. There were no differences in 30‐day and 1‐year graft and patient survival, length of hospital stay, biliary or vascular complications, or cytomegalovirus viremia between the 2 groups. In this interim analysis of a matched cohort study, which is the first and largest study to date, the patients who received the HCV NAT+ organs had similar outcomes regarding graft function, patient survival, and post‐LT complications.
Accurate Targeting and Controllable Release of Hybrid Liposome Containing a Stretchable Copolymer
Authors: Wang Yizhou , Lei Bin , Sun Minjia , Han Xia , Xu Shouhong , Liu Honglai
Published: March 2020

Developing an intelligent drug delivery/release system, which can transport drugs to the target tissues precisely and release drugs timely, is an important challenge in chemotherapy. A multistage sensitive drug delivery system is designed by inserting a folate (FA) modified lipid and a pH/temperature dual‐sensitive amphiphilic copolymer into a liposome bilayer. The stretchable copolymer plays a role in protection on FA ligand for more accurate targeting. Then, the stretch ability of the copolymer in the liposome bilayer is verified by using the Langmuir–Blodgett film technique. The interaction between the 1,2‐dipalmitoyl‐sn‐glycerol‐3‐phosphocholine (DPPC) monolayer and hybrid liposomes is found to increase, indicating the FA ligand is exposed due to the copolymer shrinking with increasing temperature. Fluorescence polarization measurements demonstrate that the insertion of the copolymer improves the stability of the liposome and offers pH‐controllability for drug release. As a result, the drug leakage of the hybrid liposome is restrained significantly at pH 7.4, while at an acidic pH, the drug release is accelerated. The designed pH/temperature dual‐sensitive copolymer is expected to provide more precise targeting and environmentally controlled drug release to drug delivery systems based on liposomes.
Nanopatterned Polymer Surface Modulates Twist Polymorphism in a Single Amyloid Fibril
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Tian Mengting , Shen Lei
Published: March 2020

The periodic twist behaviors of amyloid fibrils initiated and formed on block copolymer films with nanoscale features are studied. The discovery of twist variations even in a single amyloid fibril is reported: the fibril can vary its twist extents in response to the underlying nanopatterned surfaces by keeping its neighboring crossover sections right above the periodic nanodomains and tuning the distance between neighboring crossover sections based on either the periodic nanodomain distance or the fibril contour direction. This nanopattern‐induced twist polymorphism arises from the fibril's two edges, exhibiting different hydrophobic interactions with the periodic nanodomains, as demonstrated by simulation studies. This work contributes to the understanding of surface effects on twist polymorphism in amyloid fibril structures that may be important to fibril polymorphism in amyloid pathologies and bioapplications of amyloid fibrils.
CtBP1 transactivates RAD51 and confers cisplatin resistance to breast cancer cells
Authors: Deng Yu , Guo Wanjun , Xu Ning , Li Fulun , Li Jian
Published: March 2020

Overexpression of RAD51 is found in many cancers including breast cancer and is associated with poor survival. Compared with normal cells, RAD51 promoter is hyperactive in cancer cells indicating that RAD51 is transcriptionally activated. However, little is known about the mechanisms and factors involved in RAD51 transcription regulation. Transcription corepressor, C‐terminal binding protein 1 (CtBP1), is an oncogene repressing a panel of tumor suppressors transcription, which contributes to cancer progression. In this study, immunohistochemistry (IHC) revealed that RAD51 expression was positively correlated with CtBP1 expression in breast cancer patient tissues; short hairpin RNA‐mediated CtBP1 depletion, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and dual‐luciferase reporter assays showed that CtBP1 activated RAD51 transcription in breast cancer cells. Depletion of CtBP1 increased breast cancer cells' sensitivity to cisplatin and, in turn, expression of exogenous RAD51 in the CtBP1‐depleted breast cancer cells increased resistance to cisplatin. The results demonstrated that CtBP1 conferred breast cancer cells resistance to cisplatin through transcriptional activation of RAD51.
Current view and prospect: Implantable pressure sensors for health and surgical care
Authors: Honjol Yazan , Rajkumar Vijidha Shree , Parent‐Harvey Caroline , Selvasandran Kaviyanka , Kordlouie Sarah , Comeau‐Gauthier Marianne , Harvey Edward , Merle Geraldine
Published: March 2020

Health monitoring and screening have entered a period of rapid change. Popular terminology refers to this as mobile health (mHealth), which is a direct evolution of eHealth, but is really data‐driven technology—sensors oriented for health care. Medical decision support through this technology is the first step towards more personalized and preventative medicine. Pressure is one of the easiest and most interesting physiological parameters to assess whether organs or biological systems are healthy in the body. Pressure recordings are commonly used for clinical diagnosis and monitoring; however, the invasiveness of current technologies and associated risks of infection limit the windows in which data can be gathered. This review discusses the importance of pressure in the body and how monitoring is performed. It also describes newer and commercially available sensors, as well as how they can be improved to become minimally invasive, fully wireless pressure sensors for continuous monitoring.
Recent advances with 5‐HT3 modulators for neuropsychiatric and gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Juza Radomir , Vlcek Premysl , Mezeiova Eva , Musilek Kamil , Soukup Ondrej , Korabecny Jan
Published: March 2020

Serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptophan [5‐HT]) is a biologically active amine expressed in platelets, in gastrointestinal (GI) cells and, to a lesser extent, in the central nervous system (CNS). This biogenic compound acts through the activation of seven 5‐HT receptors (5‐HT1‐7Rs). The 5‐HT3R is a ligand‐gated ion channel belonging to the Cys‐loop receptor family. There is a wide variety of 5‐HT3R modulators, but only receptor antagonists (known as setrons) have been used clinically for chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting and irritable bowel syndrome treatment. However, since the discovery of the setrons in the mid‐1980s, a large number of studies have been published exploring new potential applications due their potency in the CNS and mild side effects. The results of these studies have revealed new potential applications, including the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and drug abuse. In this review, we provide information related to therapeutic potential of 5‐HT3R antagonists on GI and neuropsychiatric disorders. The major attention is paid to the structure, function, and pharmacology of novel 5‐HT3R modulators developed over the past 10 years.
Mutual coupling reduction in Chinese character‐shaped artistic MIMO antenna
Authors: Zhang Guolin , Chen Qiang
Published: March 2020

In this paper, a Chinese character‐shaped artistic multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna with H‐shaped defect ground structure (HDGS) is designed and analyzed. The H‐shaped structures are loaded on the ground along the outer edge of patches to make it a part of the coupling current propagation direction. The two‐element MIMO antenna is placed on the substrate with a separation of only 0.024 λ0 (λ0 is the free‐space wavelength at 2.458 GHz). The designed MIMO antenna without HDGS has 10.4 and 7.2 dB higher isolation than E‐ and H‐plane rectangular array antennas. After loading HDGS, the isolation reaches 23.86 dB at 2.458 GHz, and the center frequency is not offset. The achieved bandwidth is within IEEE 802.11 at a 2.4‐GHz wireless local area network band. Meanwhile, the isolation is higher than 20 dB in the 10‐dB impedance bandwidth (2.447‐2.468 GHz). Moreover, the radiation pattern remained basically unchanged.
Frequency‐dependent dynamic behavior of a poroviscoelastic soil layer under cyclic loading
Authors: Chen Weiyun , Mou Yumin , Xu Lingyu , Wang Zhihua , Luo Junhui
Published: March 2020

In this study, a linear poroviscoelastic model based on the Biot theory is proposed to analyze the dynamic response of partially saturated soil. Both the flow‐dependent and flow‐independent poroviscoelastic behaviors are described in the proposed model. The compressibilities of both the constituents, including the skeleton material and porefluid, are considered, and the effective skeleton stress is determined using the linear viscoelasticity law based on the generalized spring‐dashpot model. The soil surface is subjected to two types of harmonic loading, namely, vertical compressive loading and lateral shear loading. The influences of the relaxation time, saturation degree, and soil permeability on the surface and interior dynamic responses of the soil layer are investigated. It is revealed that the amplification factor, effective stress, and pore pressure decrease as the viscous damping increases, indicating that neglecting the viscoelastic property of solid skeleton could overestimate the induced dynamic responses. Furthermore, in comparison with the viscous damping of the solid skeleton, the viscous coupling involving the viscous resisting forces between the solid skeleton and pore fluid has limited effect on the dynamic behavior of the soil layer.
Applying concepts of life course theory and life course epidemiology to the study of bladder health and lower urinary tract symptoms among girls and women
Authors: Brady Sonya S. , Berry Amanda , Camenga Deepa R. , Fitzgerald Colleen M. , Gahagan Sheila , Hardacker Cecilia T. , Harlow Bernard L. , Hebert‐Beirne Jeni , LaCoursiere D. Yvette , Lewis Jessica B. , Low Lisa K. , Lowder Jerry L. , Markland Alayne D. , McGwin Gerald , Newman Diane K. , Palmer Mary H. , Shoham David A. , Smith Ariana L. , Stapleton Ann , Williams Beverly R. , Sutcliffe Siobhan ,   Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (PLUS)
Published: March 2020

Aims

Although lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) may occur at different periods during the life course of women, a little research on LUTS has adopted a life course perspective. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to demonstrate how life course theory and life course epidemiology can be applied to study bladder health and LUTS trajectories. We highlight conceptual work from the Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Research Consortium to enhance the understanding of life course concepts.

Methods

Consortium members worked in transdisciplinary teams to generate examples of how life course concepts may be applied to research on bladder health and LUTS in eight prioritized areas: (a) biopsychosocial ecology of stress and brain health; (b) toileting environment, access, habits, and techniques; (c) pregnancy and childbirth; (d) physical health and medical conditions; (e) musculoskeletal health; (f) lifestyle behaviors; (g) infections and microbiome; and (h) hormonal status across the life span.

Results

Life course concepts guided consortium members’ conceptualization of how potential risk and protective factors may influence women's health. For example, intrapartum interventions across multiple pregnancies may influence trajectories of bladder health and LUTS, illustrating the principle of life span development. Consortium members also identified and summarized methodologic and practical considerations in designing life course research.

Conclusions

This paper may assist researchers from a variety of disciplines to design and implement research identifying key risk and protective factors for LUTS and bladder health across the life course of women. Results from life course research may inform health promotion programs, policies, and practices.
Reliability of different electromyographic normalization methods for pelvic floor muscles assessment
Authors: Pereira‐Baldon Vanessa S. , de Oliveira Ana B. , Padilha Juliana F. , Degani Adriana M. , Avila Mariana A. , Driusso Patricia
Published: March 2020

Aims

To evaluate the reliability of different methods to normalize pelvic floor muscles (PFM) electromyography (EMG).

Methods

Thirty nulliparous women (23.9 ± 3.2 years), free from PFM dysfunction, completed two test sessions 7 days apart. For EMG normalization, signals were acquired during four different tasks using a vaginal probe in situ: PFM maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and three daily activities with increased intra‐abdominal pressure (coughing, Valsalva maneuver, and abdominal contraction). The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), relative standard error of measurement (%SEM), and minimal detectable change (MDC) were calculated for each variable.

Results

ICC values for test‐retest reliability of normalization methods ranged from 0.61 to 0.95. The highest values were obtained for mean root mean square (RMS) of the abdominal contraction and peak RMS of PFM‐MVC. Normalization using RMS of PFM‐MVC showed the lowest values of SEM and MDC.

Conclusions

The normalization of EMG data is considered a fundamental part of EMG investigations. These findings suggest that the normalization of PFM‐EMG by either peak RMS of PFM‐MVC or mean and peak RMS of abdominal contraction has excellent reliability and it can be applied in studies involving the evaluation of young women.
T1ρ magnetic resonance fingerprinting
Authors: Wyatt Cory R. , Barbara Thomas M. , Guimaraes Alexander R.
Published: March 2020

T1ρ relaxation imaging is a quantitative imaging technique that has been used to assess cartilage integrity, liver fibrosis, tumors, cardiac infarction, and Alzheimer's disease. T1, T2, and T1ρ relaxation time constants have each demonstrated different degrees of sensitivity to several markers of fibrosis and inflammation, allowing for a potential multi‐parametric approach to tissue quantification. Traditional magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) has been shown to provide quick, quantitative mapping of T1 and T2 relaxation time constants. In this study, T1ρ relaxation is added to the MRF framework using spin lock preparations. An MRF sequence involving an RF‐spoiled sequence with TR, flip angle, T1ρ, and T2 preparation variation is described. The sequence is then calibrated against conventional T1, T2, and T1ρ relaxation mapping techniques in agar phantoms and the abdomens of four healthy volunteers. Strong intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC > 0.9) were found between conventional and MRF sequences in phantoms and also in healthy volunteers (ICC > 0.8). The highest ICC correlation values were seen in T1, followed by T1ρ and then T2. In this study, T1ρ relaxation has been incorporated into the MRF framework by using spin lock preparations, while still fitting for T1 and T2 relaxation time constants. The acquisition of these parameters within a single breath hold in the abdomen alleviates the issues of movement between breath holds in conventional techniques.
Switch segment and halloysite nanotube role in the phase separation behavior of shape‐memory thermoplastic polyurethane
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Fatemeh , Haddadi‐Asl Vahid , Balzade Zahra , Sahebi Jouibari Iman
Published: March 2020

Thermoplastic polyurethane consists of hard and soft segments. The difference in glass transition temperature and thermodynamic incompatibility of these segments results in phase separation and shape memory behavior. In this study, the effect of molecular weight of polyol and the amount of nanoparticles on the phase separation and shape memory behavior of polyurethane nanocomposites were studied. Polyurethane was synthesized using poly(tetramethylene glycol) with molecular weights of 1000 and 2000 g/mol, hexamethylene diisocyanate, and 1,4‐butanediol by step polymerization. The nanocomposites were synthesized through in situ method containing 1 and 2 wt% of nanoparticle. Phase separation and shape memory behaviors were studied using attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, and atomic force microscopy analysis. The results indicated that higher molecular weight polyol with molecular weight of 2000 g mol−1 shows higher phase separation than the lower molecular weight sample. Also, the addition of nanoparticles results in an increased phase separation due to the halloysite nanotubes tendency to the hard segment. The shape fixity ratio (Rf) and shape recovery ratio (Rr) were in the range of 90% to 100% in all of the synthesized samples. By increasing the nanoparticles content, the shape fixity and shape recovery parameters were increased and decreased, respectively. The study of shape memory behavior also showed that the higher the polyol molecular weight, the better the nanocomposite shape memory behavior.
Tribological properties of polyimide coating filled with carbon nanotube at elevated temperatures
Authors: Roy Amit , Mu Liwen , Shi Yijun
Published: March 2020

This work mainly focuses on the development and characterization of polyimide (PI) based composite coatings filled with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) on a steel substrate. The tribological properties of PI/MWCNT composite coatings at different temperatures ranging from room temperature (RT) to 200°C were investigated. Also, the influence of MWCNT and thermal & mechanical properties of PI composites coatings were measured. The addition of MWCNT could reduce the friction coefficient as well as wear volume at elevated temperatures. The PI/3MWCNT composites coatings show better wear‐resistant properties as compared to other composites. Also, the PI/MWCNT composites showed improved mechanical properties such as micro‐hardness and nanoindentation. Formation of an organic‐inorganic structure due to the inclusion of MWCNT, enhance the mechanical properties and reduce the thermo‐degradation of composites coatings. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the PI/MWCNT composites was improved as the MWCNT content increases from 0.1 to 5 wt%.
Commuting as a work‐related demand: Effects on work‐to‐family conflict, affective commitment, and intention to quit
Authors: Elfering Achim , Igic Ivana , Kritzer Ramona , Semmer Norbert K.
Published: March 2020

Commuting time is the duration of the transition between the work and private (typically family) domains. The status of commuting in theories dealing with work–family issues or boundary management is not very clear. We discuss commuting taking a different perspective from the literature (e.g., as a demand, source of time‐based work–family conflict, impediment to the flexibility and permeability of the work–home boundary, and as a resource for work–family boundary management), concluding that the demand aspects of commuting are dominant. From this perspective, we analyzed the association between the commuting time as a work‐related demand at baseline and work–family conflict (WFC), affective commitment (AC), and intention to quit (ITQ) 1 year later (N = 838). We assessed commuting time objectively by using Google Maps to estimate travel time based on postal codes of home and workplace. As expected, longer commuting predicted all three outcomes. Furthermore, autonomy—manifested in flexible work arrangements—moderated these effects for two out of three outcome variables: Temporospatial autonomy reduced the positive associations between commuting time and WFC and ITQ. The effect sizes were small; however, effects were adjusted for baseline levels of the relevant outcome, demographic variables, and several work and private stressors.
Effects of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors on risk of dyslipidemia among patients with type 2 diabetes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Li Dandan , Wu Tingxi , Wang Tiansheng , Wei Hongtao , Wang Aihua , Tang Huilin , Song Yiqing
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are shown to cause small, but significant changes of lipid profiles, we aim to investigate whether such altered lipid profiles can be translated into clinically meaningful changes in dyslipidemia.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared SGLT2 inhibitors with placebo or other oral glucose‐lowering drugs in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and reported the events of dyslipidemia. A random‐effect meta‐analysis was performed to calculate the pooled estimates with risk ratio (RR) for dyslipidemia risk and weighted mean difference for lipid profiles with their 95% confidential intervals (CIs).

Results

Of 2427 studies identified, 15 RCTs involving 7578 patients were included. This meta‐analysis found no association between SGLT2 inhibitors and risk of dyslipidemia (RR: 1.13; 95% CI: 0.91‐1.40). However, SGLT2 inhibitors were significantly associated with increases in total cholesterol by 0.15 mmol/L, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol by 0.12 mmol/L, and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol by 0.07 mmol/L while they can significantly decrease triglycerides by −0.12 mmol/L compared to controls.

Conclusions

SGLT2 inhibitors were not associated with increased risk of dyslipidemia. Further trials with longitudinal assessment are needed to assess the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on trajectories of changes of lipid metabolism.
Kleingedrucktes mit großem Effekt
Authors: Huth Michael , Keller Lukas , Plank Harald , Winkler Robert
Published: March 2020

Der 3D‐Druck von geometrisch komplexen Nanostrukturen ist auf dem Weg zu ersten Anwendungen. Die Auswahl an geeigneten Materialien ermöglicht metallische, halbleitende, isolierende, supraleitende und exotische magnetische Eigenschaften. Das 3D‐FEBID‐Verfahren schreibt mit dem Elektronenstrahl eines Raster‐Elektronenmikroskops wie mit einem Nanostift. Das Material wird als Gasstrom von Precursor‐Molekülen über eine Hohlnadel zugeführt. Der Elektronenstrahl ermöglicht die hochlokale Fragmentierung dieser Moleküle, die meist metallische Zielatome enthalten. Die lokale Verweildauer des Strahls steuert den Strukturaufbau in der Vertikalen, während seine seitliche Bewegung zu geneigten, freistehenden Strukturen führt. Eine Herausforderung ist die definierte Strahlsteuerung, um ein CAD‐Modell möglichst präzise in ein reales 3D‐Nanoobjekt zu überführen. Für die Zukunft soll eine simulationsgestützte Software zur Steuerung des Elektronenstrahls auch Laien die Anwendung erleichtern. 3D‐FEBID ist bereits heute ein zuverlässiges und in vielerlei Hinsicht einzigartiges Verfahren zur Direktabscheidung funktionaler Nanostrukturen.
Auch Sterne altern
Authors: Weiss Achim
Published: March 2020

Sterne teilen uns ihr Alter nicht direkt mit. Da sie sich aber verändern, kann daraus ihr Alter bestimmt werden. Die meisten Bestimmungsmethoden sind modellabhängig. Daher ist es wichtig, die Physik der Sterne möglichst genau zu modellieren. Immerhin sind die Methoden aber gut genug, um daraus die Geschichte der Milchstraße, von externen Galaxien und auch des Universums zu rekonstruieren [12].
Mutational and transcriptomic landscapes of a rare human prostate basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Su Xianbin , Long Qi , Bo Juanjie , Shi Yi , Zhao Li‐Nan , Lin Yingxin , Luo Qing , Ghazanfar Shila , Zhang Chao , Liu Qiang , Wang Lan , He Kunyan , He Jian , Cui Xiaofang , Yang Jean Y. H. , Han Ze‐Guang , Yang Guoliang , Sha Jian‐jun
Published: March 2020

Background

As a rare subtype of prostate carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) has not been studied extensively and thus lacks systematic molecular characterization.

Methods

Here, we applied single‐cell genomic amplification and RNA‐Seq to a specimen of human prostate BCC (CK34βE12+/P63+/PAP−/PSA−). The mutational landscape was obtained via whole exome sequencing of the amplification mixture of 49 single cells, and the transcriptomes of 69 single cells were also obtained.

Results

The five putative driver genes mutated in BCC are CASC5, NUTM1, PTPRC, KMT2C, and TBX3, and the top three nucleotide substitutions are C>T, T>C, and C>A, similar to common prostate cancer. The distribution of the variant allele frequency values indicated that these single cells are from the same tumor clone. The 69 single cells were clustered into tumor, stromal, and immune cells based on their global transcriptomic profiles. The tumor cells specifically express basal cell markers like KRT5, KRT14, and KRT23 and epithelial markers EPCAM, CDH1, and CD24. The transcription factor covariance network analysis showed that the BCC tumor cells have distinct regulatory networks. By comparison with current prostate cancer datasets, we found that some of the bulk samples exhibit basal cell signatures. Interestingly, at single‐cell resolution the gene expression patterns of prostate BCC tumor cells show uniqueness compared with that of common prostate cancer‐derived circulating tumor cells.

Conclusions

This study, for the first time, discloses the comprehensive mutational and transcriptomic landscapes of prostate BCC, which lays a foundation for the understanding of its tumorigenesis mechanism and provides new insights into prostate cancers in general.
The Risk Analysis Screening Tool: Part I, overview
Authors: Vaughen Bruce K. , Hurban David A. , First Kenneth , Ness Al
Published: March 2020

The Dow Chemical Company has provided for international use a set of tools to help other companies effectively understand and manage their process safety hazards and risks, helping the global process safety community improve their process safety performance. The tools described in this paper were generously donated to the Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) and the European Process Safety Centre (EPSC). What makes this donation special is that small and large companies can use the Risk Analysis Screening Tool (RAST) and the Chemical Hazards Engineering Fundamentals (CHEF) tools to help validate, screen, and prioritize between their process risks. Each company can download and configure RAST to assess for and ensure compliance with their company‐specific risk matrix: their risk tolerance criteria. RAST can be applied to existing and proposed installations. In addition, RAST is versatile: helping reduce process safety risk when used during Management of Change (MOC) reviews for comparing different inherently safer design options. As is detailed in the paper, RAST follows the basic steps in performing a Hazard Identification and Risk Analysis (HIRA) study. The tool allows Process Hazards Analysis (PHA) Teams to validate process‐specific scenarios, and provides guidance on potential causes of incident scenarios. The scenario‐specific risks—a function of the consequence and the frequency—can be determined in RAST through a quantified consequence impact through leak rate and dispersion modeling and estimated scenario frequencies through equipment integrity and reliability information.
Cover Image, Volume 76, Issue 4
Authors: Hsieh Chia‐Hung , Huang Chin‐Gi , Wu Wen‐Jer , Wang Hurng‐Yi
Published: March 2020

The cover image is based on the Research Article A rapid insect species identification system using mini‐barcode pyrosequencing by Chia‐Hung Hsieh et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.5674.

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Effect of InGaN/GaN Superlattice on Lattice Curvature of GaN Layers Grown on Sapphire Substrates
Authors: Kaneko Takushi , Okada Narihito , Tadatomo Kazuyuki
Published: March 2020

The lattice curvature due to the difference in the thermal expansion coefficients between sapphire and GaN decreases the device performance and production yield. There is room to improve the lattice curvature and radius of curvature of GaN layers grown on sapphire substrates. Herein, an InGaN/GaN superlattice (SL) is grown on a low‐temperature GaN buffer layer through metalorganic vapor‐phase epitaxy to improve the lattice curvature. The lattice curvature of the GaN layer is investigated in terms of In content of the InGaN layer, the number of SL layers, cap layer, and GaN thickness. The radius of curvature increases with the increase in the number of SL layers and In content. The radius of curvature is 45 m when a 10‐period SL structure is used and the In content is 23.4%. When using a 20‐period SL structure, the GaN layer partially separates despite its very low thickness (2 μm). The improvement in the lattice curvature can be attributed to the thermal decomposition of InGaN during the annealing process from the growth temperature of InGaN to that of GaN.
Electronic and Magnetic Properties of BaFeO3 on the Pt(111) Surface in a Quasicrystalline Approximant Structure
Authors: Adeagbo Waheed Adeniyi , Maznichenko Igor V. , Ben Hamed Hichem , Mertig Ingrid , Ernst Arthur , Hergert Wolfram
Published: March 2020

Perovskite‐like ABO3 oxides A = (Ca, Sr, Ba) and B = (Ti, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) show a large variety of structures and physical properties. Among them is BaTiO3 (BTO), one of the most investigated and used perovskites. In a BTO film on Pt(111), the first oxide quasicrystal was discovered. Herein, by means of first‐principle methods, the cubic and hexagonal phases of bulk BaFeO3 (BFO) are investigated. Both phases show ferromagnetic order. Monolayers and double layers of BFO are studied on a Pt(111) surface. The double‐layer configuration of the cubic and hexagonal phases is structurally inequivalent but both double‐layer films show antiferromagnetic order. In analogy to the BTO quasicrystal approximant structure on Pt(111), a corresponding BFO structure is investigated. The Fe atoms are surrounded by three oxygen atoms and the resulting FeO3 units are separated by barium atoms with the total stoichiometry Ba5Fe4O12.
Herbal medicines and phytochemicals for obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Ayati Zahra , Sarris Jerome , Chang Dennis , Emami Seyed A. , Rahimi Roja
Published: March 2020

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a relatively prevalent mental disorder that poses significant health burdens on the community. Although current conventional medications have good efficacy for many patients, they can elicit a range of associated adverse effects. Plant‐based compounds have been evaluated for different mental disorders, with a range of anxiolytic properties revealed. To determine the current evidence in the area, we conducted a systematic review using the electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library up to June 12, 2019, for pharmacological and clinical evidence of herbal medicines and phytochemicals with antiobsessive–compulsive effects. Additional search criteria were employed for locating research on the underpinning mechanisms of action. Results revealed that tentative low‐quality evidence exists for several plant medicines, including Crocus sativus, Silybum marianum, Echium amoenum, Hypericum perforatum, and Withania somnifera, along with several natural molecules, including crocin, cannabidiol, and curcumin. Although more research is needed to confirm effectiveness, present preclinical studies indicate that monoamine pathway modulation (in particular serotonin reuptake inhibition) may be the most important anti‐OCD mechanism among the studied natural compounds.