bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the evidence–practice gap for heart failure in China: the Heart Failure Registry of Patient Outcomes (HERO) study design and baseline characteristics
Authors: Li Li , Liu Rong , Jiang Chao , Du Xin , Huffman Mark D. , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Patel Anushka , Hillis Graham S. , Anderson Craig S. , Ma Changsheng , Zhao Xiaoyan , Wang Xiaofang , Li Ling , Dong Jianzeng
Published: December 2019

Background

Registry studies in high‐income countries have defined contemporary management of heart failure (HF), but few such data exist in the large aging population of China. We report the study design and baseline characteristics of the Heart Failure Registry of Patient Outcomes (HERO) study, undertaken to determine evidence–practice gaps in the management of HF in a broad and representative population of China.

Methods and results

The HERO study is a prospective, longitudinal, seasonally‐rotating, multicentre registry study of patients hospitalized with acute HF who are followed up over 12 months. Patients were recruited on the basis of primary admission clinical diagnosis of acute HF at 73 hospitals in Henan, the largest and most socio‐economically diverse province in China, from November 2017 to November 2018; follow‐up is ongoing. For each patient, data obtained through interview and medial record review by independent clinical research staff include: socio‐demographics, clinical features, diagnostic investigations, and treatment, with a subset of patients providing blood samples for future biomarker investigation. Surviving patients are scheduled to be followed up by telephone at 2 weeks, and 3, 6 and 12 months post‐admission, or until death or study withdrawal. A total of 5620 patients (mean age 72 ± 12 years; 50% female) with acute HF were recruited from 8 provincial‐, 22 municipal‐, and 43 county‐level hospitals. Patients had co‐morbid hypertensive (48%), coronary (29%), or metabolic (20%) diseases. Among 3147 patients who had echocardiography, 54%, 20% and 25% of patients had ejection fraction of ≥50%, 40–50%, and < 40%, respectively. In‐hospital or 3‐day post‐discharge mortality was 3.2% (182/5620). Death or readmission rate from the 4th day post‐discharge to first follow‐up (median 32 days) was 22.4% (977/4368).

Conclusions

The HERO study provides a unique opportunity to profile evidence–practice gaps across a broad spectrum of patients with acute HF in China.
Efficacy of empagliflozin on heart failure and renal outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation: data from the EMPA‐REG OUTCOME trial
Authors: Böhm Michael , Slawik Jonathan , Brueckmann Martina , Mattheus Michaela , George Jyothis T. , Ofstad Anne Pernille , Inzucchi Silvio E. , Fitchett David , Anker Stefan D. , Marx Nikolaus , Wanner Christoph , Zinman Bernard , Verma Subodh
Published: December 2019

Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in patients with diabetes and heart failure (HF) and increases the future risk of adverse cardiovascular (CV) outcomes. This analysis from the EMPA‐REG OUTCOME trial explores CV and renal outcomes in patients with vs. without AF at baseline and assesses the benefits of empagliflozin.

Methods and results

Analyses were conducted on patients distinguished by the presence (n = 389) or absence (n = 6631) of AF at baseline. Outcome events were more frequent in patients with AF than those without AF. Empagliflozin compared to placebo reduced CV death or HF hospitalisation consistently in patients with AF [hazard ratio (HR) 0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36–0.92] and without AF (HR 0.67, 95% CI 0.55–0.82, Pinteraction = 0.56). Similar results were observed for the components of this endpoint, all‐cause mortality, new or worsening nephropathy, first introduction of loop diuretics, or occurrence of oedema. The absolute number of prevented events was higher in patients with AF, resulting in larger absolute treatment effects of empagliflozin. New loop diuretics or oedema were associated with increased rates of subsequent events, and rates appeared lower in those randomised to empagliflozin.

Conclusions

In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established CV disease, those with AF at baseline had higher rates of adverse HF outcomes than those without AF. Irrespective of the presence of AF, empagliflozin reduced HF‐related and renal events. The absolute number of prevented events is higher in patients with AF than without AF. Patients with diabetes, CV disease and AF may especially benefit from use of empagliflozin.
Initiation of sacubitril/valsartan shortly after hospitalisation for acutely decompensated heart failure in patients with newly diagnosed (de novo) heart failure: a subgroup analysis of the TRANSITION study
Authors: Senni Michele , Wachter Rolf , Witte Klaus K. , Straburzynska‐Migaj Ewa , Belohlavek Jan , Fonseca Candida , Mueller Christian , Lonn Eva , Chakrabarti Arhit , Bao Weibin , Noe Adele , Schwende Heike , Butylin Dmytro , Pascual‐Figal Domingo ,   on behalf of the TRANSITION Investigators
Published: December 2019

Aims

Sacubitril/valsartan has shown efficacy and tolerability in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in the ambulatory setting (PARADIGM‐HF), and following stabilisation of acutely decompensated HF (ADHF) (PIONEER‐HF and TRANSITION). However, data are lacking for the initiation of sacubitril/valsartan in newly diagnosed (de novo) HFrEF. Here, we assess the tolerability of initiating sacubitril/valsartan following ADHF in TRANSITION subgroups of patients with a de novo vs. prior diagnosis of HFrEF.

Methods and results

TRANSITION randomised 1002 patients to pre‐ and post‐discharge initiation of sacubitril/valsartan (analysis set n = 991, following exclusions for mis‐randomisation). In this post‐hoc analysis, tolerability to sacubitril/valsartan [proportion of patients achieving target dose (97/103 mg b.i.d.) at 10 weeks post‐randomisation], adverse events (AEs) and serious AEs (SAEs) were compared in de novo (n = 286) and prior HFrEF (n = 705) subgroups. More de novo than prior HFrEF patients achieved target dose at Week 10 (56% vs. 45%; relative risk ratio 1.30, 95% confidence interval 1.12–1.52, P < 0.001), and fewer had SAEs and permanent treatment discontinuations. Initiation of sacubitril/valsartan did not prevent the concomitant initiation and up‐titration of guideline‐directed HF therapies. De novo patients showed faster and greater decreases in N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide and high‐sensitivity troponin‐T, and lower rates of HF and all‐cause rehospitalisation vs. prior HFrEF.

Conclusions

After ADHF, first‐line initiation of sacubitril/valsartan in de novo HFrEF, alongside the initiation of other guideline‐directed therapies, is feasible and is associated with a better risk–benefit profile than in patients with prior HFrEF. Early intervention with sacubitril/valsartan may be considered to delay disease progression in patients with de novo HFrEF.

Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02661217.
Pencil Graphite Electrode Decorated with Xylenol Orange Flakes for Studying Possible Pharmacokinetic Interaction Between Vardenafil and Daclatasvir
Authors: Mohamed Abdel‐Maaboud I. , Rageh Azza H. , Abdel‐aal Fatma A. M. , Ali Al‐Montaser Bellah H.
Published: December 2019

The main aim of the current work is to investigate possible pharmacokinetic interactions between vardenafil hydrochloride (VAR), which is used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and daclatasvir dihydrochloride (DAC), which is used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C viral infection when they are concomitantly administered. Therefore, a sensitive and selective square‐wave voltammetric method was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of VAR and DAC using disposable pencil graphite electrode (PGE) modified with xylenol orange (X.O.) flakes as an electrochemical sensor. A full investigation of the experimental parameters for obtaining the highest electroanalytical signal with sufficient resolution between the oxidation peaks of two compounds was performed. It was found that VAR and DAC were resolved on X.O./PGE with different potentials at 1.4 V and 0.9 V, respectively using Britton‐Robinson buffer (pH 2.2) and 0.1 mol L−1KCl as a supporting electrolyte. In addition, with the aid of cyclic voltammetry, a mechanistic scheme for the oxidation behaviour of both VAR and DAC was suggested. The proposed square wave voltammetric method was successfully applied for trace quantification of VAR and DAC in male rabbits. The suggested approach shows detection and quantification limits in rabbit plasma samples of 0.06 and 0.17 μmol L−1, respectively for VAR and 0.13 and 0.39 μmol L−1, respectively for DAC. The pharmacokinetic parameters of VAR alone and in combination with DAC after oral administration to rabbits were successfully estimated. The obtained results confirm that when DAC is co‐administered with VAR, plasma concentration of VAR increases, which necessitates dose adjustment for VAR to prevent toxicological consequences in patients.
Declining Aluminum Toxicity and the Role of Exposure Duration on Brook Trout Mortality in Acidified Streams of the Adirondack Mountains, New York, USA
Authors: Baldigo Barry P. , George Scott D. , Lawrence Gregory B. , Paul Eric A.
Published: December 2019

Mortality of brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis and water chemistry were characterized in 6 headwater streams in the western Adirondacks of New York during spring 2015, 2016, and 2017 and compared with results from analogous tests done between 1980 and 2003 in many of the same streams, to assess temporal changes in toxicity and inorganic monomeric aluminum (Ali) concentrations, and the role of Ali exposure duration on brook trout survival. The Ali concentrations of 2 and 4 µmol L–1 corresponded to low-to-moderate and high mortality thresholds, but prolonged exposure to ≥1 µmol Ali L–1 also produced mortality. The variability, mean, and highest Ali concentrations in Buck Creek year round, and in several other streams during spring, have decreased significantly over the past 3 decades. Logistic models indicate that Ali surpassed highly toxic concentrations in Buck Creek for 3 to 4 mo annually during 2001 to 2003 and for 2 to 3 wk annually during 2015 to 2017. The loss of extremely high Ali episodes indicates that toxicity has declined markedly between the 1989 to 1990, 2001 to 2003, and 2015 to 2017 test periods, yet Ali concentrations can still cause moderate-to-high and complete (100%) mortality. The logistic models illustrate how mortality of brook trout in several Adirondack streams likely decreased in response to the 1990 Amendments to the United States' Clean Air Act (which decreased acidity, Ali concentrations, and duration of toxic episodes) and offer a means to predict how changes in US regulations that limit emissions of NOx and SOx (and N and S deposition loads) could affect fish survival and stream ecosystems in this region and across the Northeast. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:623–636. © 2019 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.

Abstract

Logistic regression models derived from toxicity tests using young-of-year brook trout in 6 western Adirondack streams during 2001 to 2003 and 2015 to 2017 show how inorganic monomeric aluminum (Ali) concentrations >0 and ≥1, 2, 4, and 8 µmol L–1 and exposure durations ranging from 0 to 30 d interact to affect the probability of death (100% mortality). Although contemporary Ali concentrations still reach levels that can cause 100% morality in several streams, the models predict how mortality should change, because the duration that Ali surpassed highly toxic concentrations (e.g., 4 µmol L–1) at Buck Creek declined from 3 to 4 mo annually in 2001 to 2003 to 2 to 3 wk annually in 2015 to 2017.
A Self-Organizing Map of the Fathead Minnow Liver Transcriptome to Identify Consistent Toxicogenomic Patterns across Chemical Fingerprints
Authors: Krämer Stefan , Busch Wibke , Schüttler Andreas
Published: December 2019

Lack of consistent findings in different experimental settings remains a major challenge in toxicogenomics. The present study investigated whether consistency between findings of different microarray experiments can be improved when the analysis is based on a common reference frame (“toxicogenomic universe”), which can be generated using the machine learning algorithm of the self-organizing map (SOM). This algorithm arranges and clusters genes on a 2-dimensional grid according to their similarity in expression across all considered data. In the present study, 19 data sets, comprising of 54 different adult fathead minnow liver exposure experiments, were retrieved from Gene Expression Omnibus and used to train a SOM. The resulting toxicogenomic universe aggregates 58 872 probes to 2500 nodes and was used to project, visualize, and compare the fingerprints of these 54 different experiments. For example, we could identify a common pattern, with 14% of significantly regulated nodes in common, in the data sets of an interlaboratory study of ethinylestradiol exposures. Consistency could be improved compared with the 5% total overlap in regulated genes reported before. Furthermore, we could determine a specific and consistent estrogen-related pattern of differentially expressed nodes and clusters in the toxicogenomic universe by applying additional clustering steps and comparing all obtained fingerprints. Our study shows that the SOM-based approach is useful for generating comparable toxicogenomic fingerprints and improving consistency between results of different experiments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:526–537. © 2019 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
SmartX Multi‐View Visibility Framework for unified monitoring of SDN‐enabled multisite clouds
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Kim JongWon
Published: December 2019

Modern ICT infrastructures are getting complicated to cope with the various demands to accommodate the emerging technology paradigms such as cloud, SDN, and IoT. In these ICT infrastructures, unified monitoring is essential to easily pinpoint server faults, network bottlenecks, and application performance issues for effective operation. Although many traditional monitoring solutions are now available, unified monitoring has not kept pace, creating a big gap when operating these modern infrastructures. To address this particular limitation, in this paper, a futuristic multilayer visibility framework, denoted as SmartX Multi‐View Visibility Framework (MVF), is proposed by unifying the visibility of physical and virtual resource, flow, and workload layers for timely detection and mitigation of various operational issues. Based on our experience of working with Future Internet testbeds, we first design SmartX MVF to enable visibility collection and validation from distributed MPs. Then, we link it with subsequent visibility integration capability empowered by DataLake‐based visibility storage for interactive visualization of collected visibility. Furthermore, a prototype implementation of SmartX MVF is developed and deployed in OF@TEIN (ie, SDN‐enabled multisite cloud playground), to verify the proposed multiview visibility of fine‐grained flow‐aware physical‐virtual resources.
Dementia and caregiver burden: A three‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Connors Michael H. , Seeher Katrin , Teixeira‐Pinto Armando , Woodward Michael , Ames David , Brodaty Henry
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Dementia, with its progressive cognitive and functional decline and associated neuropsychiatric symptoms, places a large burden on caregivers. While frequently studied, longitudinal findings about the overall trajectory of burden are mixed. The study sought to characterize caregiver burden over a 3‐year period and identify predictors of this burden.

Methods

Seven‐hundred‐and‐eighty‐one patients with dementia were recruited from nine memory clinics around Australia. Measures of caregiver burden, cognition, function, and neuropsychiatric symptoms were completed with patients and their caregivers at regular intervals over a 3‐year period. Patients' level of services and medication use were also recorded.

Results

Of the 720 patients with measures of caregiver burden at baseline, 47.4% of caregivers had clinically significant levels of burden. This proportion increased over time, with 56.8% affected at 3 years. Overall levels of burden increased for caregivers of patients without services, though did not change for caregivers of patients receiving services or residential care after controlling for other variables. Patient characteristics—including greater neuropsychiatric symptoms, lower functional ability, fewer medications, lack of driving ability—and female sex of caregivers were associated with greater burden.

Conclusions

High levels of caregiver burden are present in a large proportion of caregivers of people with dementia and this increases over time for those without services. Clinical characteristics of patients (including neuropsychiatric symptoms, function, overall health, driving status), level of services, and caregiver sex appear to be the best predictors of this burden. These characteristics may help identify caregivers at greater risk of burden to target for intervention.
Development and piloting of ‘When Cancer Comes Along’: A cancer awareness program for Australian secondary school students
Authors: Wright Adam J. , Patterson Pandora , McDonald Fiona E. J. , Hubbard Gill
Published: December 2019

Issue addressed

Given the increasing prevalence of cancer, there is a growing need for health interventions educating individuals about the disease and its impacts, risk‐reduction strategies and how to support others who are affected. School‐based programs are a promising medium addressing these issues in adolescents, yet no comprehensive cancer education program exists in Australia. This paper reports on the piloting of a cancer awareness program for Australian students.

Methods

When Cancer Comes Along is a 90‐minute interactive presentation covering cancer's impacts, risk‐reduction strategies and how to support those affected. The program was piloted in four Australian secondary schools, with students (N = 113, 13‐16 years) and teachers (N = 2) providing feedback via postprogram survey.

Results

Participants reported high satisfaction overall (92%‐97%) and with each program component (71%‐95%), and agreed that the program achieved learning outcomes (72%‐95%).

Conclusions

Results indicate that When Cancer Comes Along is relevant, engaging and age‐appropriate. Participants reported improved understanding of cancer, its impacts, risk‐reduction strategies and how to support those affected. A larger‐scale evaluation is underway to more comprehensively evaluate program outcomes.

So what?

The program has potential in educating students about various aspects of the cancer experience. It further demonstrates the feasibility and value of addressing psychosocial impacts and support strategies as well as information about cancer risks, elements which have not previously been combined in educational interventions. Equipping adolescents with the knowledge and skills to reduce their cancer risk and support others who are affected has significant health promotion implications for cancer prevention and support provision.
Ti2CTx MXene‐based all‐optical modulator
Authors: Yi Jun , Li Jie , Huang Shuohan , Hu Longyu , Miao Lili , Zhao Chujun , Wen Shuangchun , Mochalin Vadym N. , Rao Apparao M.
Published: December 2019

MXenes, a new class of 2D transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, have attracted much attention due to their outstanding properties. Here, we report the broadband spatial self‐phase modulation of Ti2CT
x MXene nanosheets dispersed in deionized water in the visible to near‐infrared regime, highlighting the broadband nonlinear optical (NLO) response of Ti2CT
x MXene. Using ultrafast pulsed laser excitation, the nonlinear refractive index n2 and the third‐order nonlinear susceptibility of Ti2CT
x MXene were measured to be ∼10−13 m2/W and ∼ 10−10 esu, respectively. Leveraging the large optical nonlinearity of Ti2CT
x MXene, an all‐optical modulator in the visible regime was fabricated based on the spatial cross‐phase modulation effect. This work suggests that 2D MXenes are ideal broadband NLO materials with excellent prospects in NLO applications.

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Back Cover: Distinguishing structural features between Crohn's disease and gastrointestinal luminal tuberculosis using Mueller matrix derived parameters (J. Biophotonics 12/2019)
Authors: Liu Teng , Lu Min , Chen Binguo , Zhong Qinsong , Li Jingyu , He Honghui , Mao Hua , Ma Hui
Published: December 2019

Currently there is no general gold standard to distinguish between Crohn's disease and gastrointestinal luminal tuberculosis tissues, which both have tuberculosis and surrounding fibrous structures. Here we demonstrate that the Mueller matrix derived polarimetric parameters can reveal the structural features of tuberculosis areas and be used as quantitative indicators to distinguish between Crohn's disease and gastrointestinal luminal tuberculosis tissues, which can be useful for the clinical diagnosis.

Further details can be found in the article by Teng Liu, Min Lu, Binguo Chen, et al. (e201900151).

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Bone regeneration is enhanced by the combined use of acid‐electrolyzed functional water with hydroxyapatite/collagen composite
Authors: Ozawa Yasumasa , Gojoubori Takahiro , Ota Hirotaka , Takemoto Tomoko , Suguro Hisashi , Nishida Tetsuya , Satou Shuuichi , Asano Masatake
Published: December 2019

Hydroxyapatite/collagen (HAP/Col) composite has a nanostructure and composition similar to that of natural bone. Herein, we have evaluated the beneficial effects of acid‐electrolyzed functional water (FW) in combination with HAP/Col composite as an irrigation material in a rat calvarium defect model. The rats were divided into four groups: control, PBS irrigation; FW, FW irrigation; HAP/Col, filled with HAP/Col; FW + HAP/Col, FW irrigation prior to HAP/Col filling. Bone volume (BV) and bone mineral density (BMD) of the newly formed bone were analyzed by microcomputed tomography. The results indicated that the combined use of FW and HAP/Col significantly augmented both BV (12.25 ± 1.93 mm3, control: 3.22 ± 0.55 mm3, 6 weeks) and BMD (120.09 ± 14.76 cm3/mg vs. control: 54.67 ± 7.20 cm3/mg, 6 weeks) in a time‐dependent manner, which might be attributed to the soluble factor‐inducing ability of FW. Based on this assumption, bFGF concentration in peripheral blood was measured. bFGF concentration was significantly increased in the FW + HAP/Col group (68.25 ± 9.2 pg/ml vs. control: 21.70 ± 8.18 pg/ml, 6 hr). Real‐time PCR demonstrated significant augmentation of MCSF (2.82 ± 0.59‐fold), RANKL (2.51 ± 0.33‐fold) and BMP7 (1.66 ± 0.25‐fold) (bone regeneration‐related genes) and PDGF (1.31 ± 0.15‐fold), VEGF (3.27 ± 0.42‐ld) and IL‐8 (6.77 ± 2.02‐fold) (angiogenic genes) mRNAs in the FW + HAP/Col group. Taken together, these results suggest that the combined use of FW and HAP/Col induces bone regeneration, presumably by inducing the factors contributing to bone regeneration and angiogenesis.
Blockchain—Opportunities and challenges for accounting professionals
Authors: Sinha Soma
Published: December 2019

Everybody is talking about blockchain, which is being positioned as the solution for all business ills. Blockchain is a revolutionary technology, but its power and efficacy are only as good as its application. Blockchain has the potential to transform or even eliminate some of the accounting functions that are currently taken for granted, but it also creates risks of its own that must be considered. The technology is still in its formative stage and is certain to undergo meaningful changes in the future. Entities using this technology will have to weigh its benefits, but also build safeguards to protect against its vulnerabilities.
The diagnostic value of PIVKA‐II, AFP, AFP‐L3, CEA, and their combinations in primary and metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Qi Famei , Zhou Aihua , Yan Li , Yuan Xiumei , Wang Danni , Chang Ruoyun , Zhang Yujun , Shi Funa , Han Xiaomei , Hou Jinxia , Wei Lianhua , Zhang Xu
Published: December 2019

Background

Early diagnosis decreases the mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to investigate the usefulness of PIVKA‐II, AFP, AFP‐L3, CEA, and their combinations in the diagnosis of primary and metastatic HCC.

Methods

One hundred and twenty patients with primary HCC (PHC), 115 with metastatic HCC (MHC), 89 with chronic liver disease (CLD), and 116 healthy volunteers were included. The diagnostic values of each marker and their combinations for HCC diagnosis were represented by ROC curve analyses.

Results

PIVKA‐II, AFP, and AFP‐L3 levels in PHC group were higher than that in normal control, CLD, and MHC groups. CEA levels in MHC group were higher than that in the other three groups. When the four markers were analyzed individually, PIVKA‐II showed the highest positive rate in PHC group (76.7%) and CEA showed the highest positive rate in MHC group (69.6%). PIVKA‐ II showed the largest area under ROC curve (AUC = 0.835) to discriminate PHC group from CLD group. Combined PIVKA‐II with AFP‐L3 increased the AUC to 0.910. CEA showed the highest AUC (0.849) to discriminate MHC group from CLD group. Combined CEA with PIVKA‐II increased the AUC to 0.866. AFP‐L3 alone showed the highest AUC (0.890) to discriminate MHC group from PHC group. Combined PIVKA‐II with AFP‐L3, and CEA increased the AUC to 0.957.

Conclusion

PIVKA‐II, AFP‐L3, AFP, and CEA are effective biomarkers for the diagnosis of PHC and MHC. Their combinations could improve the diagnostic performance compared with each marker used alone in detecting PHC and MHC.
Utilizing Pediatric Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Models to Examine Factors That Contribute to Methadone Pharmacokinetic Variability in Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Patients
Authors: McPhail Brooks T. , Emoto Chie , Fukuda Tsuyoshi , Butler Dawn , Wiles Jason R. , Akinbi Henry , Vinks Alexander A.
Published: December 2019

Chronic intrauterine exposure to psychoactive drugs often results in neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). NAS is the symptomatic drug withdrawal in newborns that generally occurs after in utero chronic opioid exposure. Methadone is an opioid analgesic commonly prescribed for pharmacologic management of NAS. It exhibits high pharmacokinetic (PK) variability. The current study used physiologically based PK modeling to predict the PK profile of methadone in 20 newborns treated for NAS. The physiologically based PK simulations adequately predicted the PK profile of the clinical data for 45% of the patients. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to explore contributing factors to methadone PK variability. The data suggest that P450 enzymatic activity impacts the clearance of methadone in virtual adults and neonates, while the contribution of cardiac output may be negligible. Understanding maturational and/or pharmacogenetic changes in cytochrome P450 enzymatic activity may further explain the large PK variability of methadone in newborns with NAS and will help individualized treatment.
The influence of experimental parameters on quantitative deuterium measurements for ethyl alcohols of different origin
Authors: Ciepielowski Grzegorz , Pacholczyk‐Sienicka Barbara , Klajman Kamila , Paneth Piotr , Albrecht Łukasz
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Quantitative determination with site‐specific natural isotope fractionation nuclear magnetic resonance (SNIF‐NMR) has been exploited widely in detecting adulteration and for the classification of natural products by their geographical origin.

RESULTS

We compared isotopic parameters such as deuterium / hydrogen (D/H) site specific ratios and the R parameter for alcoholic beverages, obtained using (i) a 500 MHz spectrometer equipped with a dedicated probe for isotopic measurements, and (ii) a 700 MHz spectrometer equipped with a standard probe. The factors affecting the accuracy and precision of quantitative NMR with the second instrument have been explored.

CONCLUSIONS

It has been demonstrated that, in laboratories with a spectrometer that is not equipped with a specific deuterium probe, the selection of the appropriate experimental parameters enables measurements with a similar precision and accuracy as in the case of the official method adopted by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Stokes drift of plankton in linear internal waves: Cross‐shore transport of neutrally buoyant and depth‐keeping organisms
Authors: Franks Peter J. S. , Garwood Jessica C. , Ouimet Michael , Cortes Jorge , Musgrave Ruth C. , Lucas Andrew J.
Published: December 2019

The meroplanktonic larvae of many invertebrate and vertebrate species rely on physical transport to move them across the shelf to their adult habitats. One potential mechanism for cross‐shore larval transport is Stokes drift in internal waves. Here, we develop theory to quantify the Stokes velocities of neutrally buoyant and depth‐keeping organisms in linear internal waves in shallow water. We apply the analyses to theoretical and measured internal wave fields, and compare results with a numerical model. Near the surface and bottom boundaries, both neutrally buoyant and depth‐keeping organisms were transported in the direction of the wave's phase propagation. However, neutrally buoyant organisms were transported in the opposite direction of the wave's phase at mid depths, while depth‐keeping organisms had zero net transport there. Weakly depth‐keeping organisms had Stokes drifts between the perfectly depth‐keeping and neutrally buoyant organisms. For reasonable wave amplitudes and phase speeds, organisms would experience horizontal Stokes speeds of several centimeters per second—or a few kilometers per day in a constant wave field. With onshore‐polarized internal waves, Stokes drift in internal waves presents a predictable mechanism for onshore transport of meroplanktonic larvae and other organisms near the surface, and offshore transport at mid depths.
Spatially Resolved Dynamically Reconfigurable Multilevel Control of Thermal Emission
Authors: Xu Ziquan , Li Qiang , Du Kaikai , Long Shiwei , Yang Yang , Cao Xun , Luo Hao , Zhu Huanzheng , Ghosh Pintu , Shen Weidong , Qiu Min
Published: December 2019

Spatially resolved dynamically reconfigurable control of thermal emission has comprehensive implications for fundamental science and technological applications, such as thermal camouflage and adaptive radiative heating/cooling. Materials and systems that can spatially control thermal emission with dynamic reconfigurability, simple manufacturability, and a large dynamic range have not been explored, so far. Here, a spatially resolved thermal emission control platform consisting of three components (a material with phase transition hysteresis, a thermal photonic device with a field‐optimized planarized structure, and an optically controllable patterning system) is built and validated. This platform presents excellent merits such as spatially resolved control of thermal emission, multilevel (up to nine levels) emission control with a large dynamic range of the emissivity modulation (0.19 for the insulating phase and 0.91 for the metallic phase) over a broad bandwidth (8–14 µm), and robust reconfigurability. The results demonstrate potential applications in the field of thermal photonics for information and energy harvesting.
Laser Treatment of Traumatic Scars and Contractures: 2020 International Consensus Recommendations
Authors: Seago Meghan , Shumaker Peter R. , Spring Leah K. , Alam Murad , Al‐Niaimi Firas , Rox Anderson R. , Artzi Ofir , Bayat Ardeshir , Cassuto Daniel , Chan Henry HL , Dierickx Christine , Donelan Matthias , Gauglitz Gerd G. , Leo Goo Boncheol , Goodman Greg J. , Gurtner Geoffrey , Haedersdal Merete , Krakowski Andrew C. , Manuskiatti Woraphong , Norbury William B. , Ogawa Rei , Ozog David M. , Paasch Uwe , Victor Ross E. , Tretti Clementoni Matteo , Waibel Jill
Published: December 2019

Background and Objectives

There is currently intense multidisciplinary interest and a maturing body of literature regarding laser treatments for traumatic scars, but international treatment guidelines and reimbursement schemes have not yet caught up with current knowledge and practice in many centers. The authors intend to highlight the tremendous potential of laser techniques, offer recommendations for safe and efficacious treatment, and promote wider patient access guided by future high‐quality research.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

An international panel of 26 dermatologists and plastic and reconstructive surgeons from 13 different countries and a variety of practice backgrounds was self‐assembled to develop updated consensus recommendations for the laser treatment of traumatic scars. A three‐step modified Delphi method took place between March 2018 and March 2019 consisting of two rounds of emailed questionnaires and supplementary face‐to‐face meetings. The panel members approved the final manuscript via email correspondence, and the threshold for consensus was at least 80% concurrence among the panel members.

Results

The manuscript includes extensive detailed discussion regarding a variety of laser platforms commonly used for traumatic scar management such as vascular lasers and ablative and non‐ablative fractional lasers, special considerations such as coding and laser treatments in skin of color, and 25 summary consensus recommendations.

Conclusions

Lasers are a first‐line therapy in the management of traumatic scars and contractures, and patients without access to these treatments may not be receiving the best available care after injury. Updated international treatment guidelines and reimbursement schemes, additional high‐quality research, and patient access should reflect this status. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhancement of resistance to galvanic corrosion of ZE41 Mg alloy by equal channel angular pressing
Authors: Sekar Prithivirajan , Sanna Narendranath , Desai Vijay
Published: December 2019

The galvanic corrosion behavior of as‐received and ECAPed ZE41 Mg alloy coupled with Al7075 alloy is investigated using zero resistance ammeter in three different corrosive environments, 0, 0.1, and 1 M NaCl, to mimic the conditions experienced in engineering applications. The mechanism of galvanic corrosion for the ZE41 Mg–Al7075 aluminum alloy is explained. It is observed that a robust surface film containing a composite layer of oxide/hydroxide of magnesium and aluminum is established in deionized water (0 M). However, only a single layer of magnesium oxide/hydroxide is detected in chloride‐containing environments. Equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) improved the resistance to galvanic corrosion by 58% and 54% when compared with the as‐cast counterparts in 0 and 1 M NaCl solution, respectively. In contrast, galvanic corrosion resistance decreased by 26% in 0.1 M NaCl after ECAP while the as‐received samples evinced pits unfavorable to be used in engineering applications. ECAP is a promising method to combat galvanic corrosion encountered by ZE41 magnesium alloy used in automobiles and components of military vehicles.
Ni, Cr, and Fe surfaces corroded by molten ZnCl2
Authors: Wang Xueliang , Yin Huiqin , Liu Wenguan , Yu Guojun , He Jian , Tang Zhongfeng , Yan Long
Published: December 2019

Understanding the corrosion of molten ZnCl2 on metal surfaces is significant for the corrosion protection of metals, sustainable use of molten salts, preparation of ZnO coatings, and so on. In this paper, surfaces of pure Ni, Cr, and Fe corroded by molten ZnCl2 were investigated. The results show that Ni suffered very slight corrosion, while Cr experienced more serious corrosion than Ni, but lighter corrosion than Fe. The morphology of the corrosion of Cr and Fe, respectively, presented pitting and intergranular corrosion characteristics. Furthermore, nanostructured ZnO coatings were obtained on the surfaces of Ni and Fe, but not on the surface of Cr. The ZnO coating on the Ni surface was doped with a small amount of Zn5(OH)8Cl2, and the ZnO coating on the Fe surface was doped with ZnFe2O4 and Zn2OCl2. The coatings on the Ni and Fe surfaces had an average thickness of 1.5 and 50 μm, respectively.
Microstructure and corrosion behaviors of FeCrNiBSiMox stainless steel fabricated by laser melting deposition
Authors: Chen Jiawan , Zhang Chunhua , Cui Xue , Zhang Song , Chen Jiang , Zhang Jingbo
Published: December 2019

In this paper, FeCrNiBSiMox (x = 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5) stainless steels were successfully prepared using a laser melting deposition technology, with the aim to investigate the effect of Mo content on microstructure and corrosion behaviors. The results showed that the as‐deposited specimens were composed mostly of α‐Fe and a small amount of (Cr, Mo)7C3, and (Cr, Mo)7C3 existed in the inter‐dendritic (ID) region. As the Mo content increased, grain refinement could be clearly observed, and the area of the ID region increased from 27% to 54%. The low‐angle boundaries accounted for 60–70% of the grain boundaries of the as‐deposited specimens. Increasing the content of Mo improved the microhardness of the as‐deposited specimens from 652 HV to 813 HV. The corrosion current density of the as‐deposited specimens with the Mo mass fractions of 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, and 2.5% were 1.37 × 10−6, 1.02 × 10−7, 6.19 × 10−7, and 3.06 × 10−7 A/cm2, respectively. The as‐deposited specimen with Mo content of 1.5% had lower cumulative erosion loss and erosion loss rate than other as‐deposited specimens. The FeCrNiBSiMox (x = 1.5) specimen exhibited excellent resistance to electrochemical corrosion and cavitation erosion.
The effect of microstructure on hydrogen permeability of high strength steels
Authors: Rudomilova Darya , Prošek Tomáš , Salvetr Pavel , Knaislová Anna , Novák Pavel , Kodým Roman , Schimo‐Aichhorn Gabriela , Muhr Andreas , Duchaczek Hubert , Luckeneder Gerald
Published: December 2019

Hydrogen diffusivity and trapping have been studied in two advanced high strength steel grades and model samples using electrochemical permeation test. Microstructures of CP1000 and DP1000 steels consist of ferrite, martensite and a small fraction of retained austenite. In addition, bainite is present in CP1000. Model phases with predominance of a particular phase have been prepared by specific heat treatment. DP1000 has shown the lowest diffusivity among all materials, while ferritic model sample has shown the highest. Differences in hydrogen diffusion coefficient values are linked to trapping microstructural characteristics and grain size.
Improving heavy rainfall forecasts by assimilating surface precipitation in the convective scale model AROME: A case study of the Mediterranean event of November 4, 2017
Authors: Sahlaoui Zahra , Mordane Soumia , Wattrelot Eric , Mahfouf Jean‐François
Published: December 2019

The ability of precipitation assimilation is assessed in a convective scale model in order to improve the precipitation forecast for a Mediterranean heavy rain event that took place on November 4, 2017. The proposed assimilation method is based on a two‐step approach. First, one‐dimensional variational (1D‐Var) assimilation is applied on hourly accumulated precipitation to retrieve temperature and specific humidity profiles. These retrieved profiles are then combined in relative humidity profiles before being assimilated into the AROME (Application of Research to Operational at MEsoscale) 3D‐Var system. Three experiments are run for this case study. The results show that precipitation assimilation has a positive impact on both moisture analysis and the forecast of dynamic fields. A comparison of 24 hr‐accumulated precipitation forecasts with precipitation analysis from radar and gauge data (ANTILOPE) demonstrates the ability of rain assimilation to improve convective precipitation forecasts. A statistical evaluation against rain gauges indicates better scores due to the additional moisture information given by the precipitation assimilation.
The versatile free medial sural artery perforator flap: An institutional experience for reconstruction of the head and neck, upper and lower extremities
Authors: Sue Gloria R. , Kao Huang‐Kai , Borrelli Mimi R. , Cheng Ming‐Huei
Published: December 2019

Background

The medial sural artery perforator (MSAP) flap is an increasingly versatile and reliable flap for soft tissue reconstruction. This study investigates complication rates and long‐term outcomes of the MSAP flap.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed on consecutive patients undergoing MSAP flap reconstruction at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital from 2006 through 2017. Patient demographics were assessed. Flap failure and wound complications were the outcome measures.

Results

In the cohort of 246 patients that underwent a total of 248 MSAP flap reconstructions were identified. The average age was 47.5 years (range 15–76). Of the 248 flaps, 170 were used for reconstruction of the head and neck, 48 for upper extremity reconstruction, and 30 for lower extremity reconstruction. The average MSAP flap size was 5.2 × 11.8 cm. 31 (12.5%) of the flaps developed arterial occlusion, venous insufficiency, or a hematoma postoperatively requiring re‐exploration. Nineteen were successfully salvaged, yielding an overall failure rate of 4.8%. Minor complications included the need for flap debridement in 18 cases (7.3%) and need for donor site debridement in eight cases (3.2%).

Conclusions

The MSAP flap can be used in a versatile fashion to reconstruct defects of the head and neck, upper extremity, and lower extremity with minimal complication rates.
Are there different patterns of detrusor overactivity which are clinically relevant? ICI‐RS 2018
Authors: Gajewski Jerzy B. , Gammie Andrew , Speich John , Kirschner‐Hermanns Ruth , De Wachter Stefan , Schurch Brigitte , Korstanje Cees , Valentini Francoise , Rahnama’i Mohammad Sajjad
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Different patterns of detrusor overactivity (DO) have been described and included in several standardization terminology documents. However, it is unclear if these different patterns have any clinical significance.

Methods

This is a report of the proceedings of Proposal 3: “Are there different patterns of detrusor overactivity which are clinically relevant?” from the annual International Consultation on Incontinence—Research Society (ICIRS) meeting, which took place from 14 to 16 June 2018, in Bristol, UK.

Results

We have collected and discussed, as a committee, the evidence about different urodynamic (UD) patterns of detrusor overactivity and their potential clinical significance. We reviewed the important previous basic research and clinical studies and compiled summaries. The discussion focused on clinical relevance of different UD patterns of DO and what further research is required.

Conclusions

There are several UD definitions of patterns of detrusor overactivity, however the clinical relevance of these definitions remains unclear. Future research should concentrate on defining the pattern of DO in relation to clinical diagnosis, gender, age, and treatment outcomes.
Do we need better information to advise women with stress incontinence on their choice of surgery? Report from the ICI‐RS 2018
Authors: Giarenis Ilias , Malde Sachin , Harding Christopher , Robinson Dudley , Gajewski Jerzy , Rahnamai Mohammad , Cardozo Linda
Published: December 2019

Aims

The regulatory warnings about the safety of the synthetic midurethral slings (MUS) had a significant effect on how patients and physicians approach surgical management of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). In this changing landscape, the purpose of this research Think Tank (TT) was to provide an update of the current knowledge about the safety and efficacy of SUI surgery, to review patient goals and expectations and to identify factors affecting the decision making for surgery.

Methods

This is a consensus report of the proceedings of TT3: “Do we need better information to advise women with stress incontinence on their choice of surgery?” from the annual International Consultation on Incontinence‐Research Society (ICI‐RS), June 2018.

Results

Despite the body of evidence supporting the continued use of MUS, the short follow‐up of most of the studies and the lack of “real life” data regarding pain and sexual dysfunction make the development of recommendations challenging. Women with SUI are often happy to “trade” efficacy for a procedure with less associated morbidity and therefore it is not always the procedure with the highest success rate that is ultimately chosen. However, a number of factors influence treatment decision and there is limited evidence about what level of all these factors women are willing to tolerate for a given success rate, or how much success they are willing to trade for a lower complication rate.

Conclusions

The ICI‐RS proposed research questions which may be able to assist in improving the counseling and management of women with SUI.
Stem cells and lower urinary tract dysfunction: Has its potential finally reached clinical maturity? ICI‐RS2018
Authors: Chermansky Christopher , Mitsogiannis Iraklis , Abrams Paul , Apostolidis Apostolos
Published: December 2019

Aims

Efforts to engineer and repair genitourinary tissue to treat lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) have recently increased thanks in part to advances in stem cell (SC) research. At the International Consultation on Incontinence‐Research Society meeting in Bristol in 2018 a proposal was convened to address the question: has the potential of SCs in treating LUTD reached clinical maturity?

Methods

The proposal conducted a literature review and an expert consensus meeting focusing on available data from animal models and clinical trials involving the use of SCs for LUTD.

Results

To date, there are only small studies investigating bladder replacement using scaffolds with or without SC. Results have been conflicting because of the variability in cell numbers, biomaterials types, and graft surface differences. Similarly, preclinical results suggest a possible role of SC in bladder outlet obstruction (BOO); however, SC clinical trials for BOO are lacking. Research into the use of SC for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is close to reaching clinical maturity. In the Canadian phase 3 randomized controlled trial (RCT), a beneficial effect of adult muscle–derived cells (AMDC) over placebo was detected in reducing the frequency of incontinence episodes, especially after prior anti‐incontinence surgery. Only two small studies have been published on male SUI.

Conclusions

Questions remain regarding the mechanism of action of SC injected into the LUT and the viability of cells seeded onto grafts placed into the LUT. Also, the optimal time for intervention with SC therapy in the LUT remains to be elucidated.