bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FDG–PET CT in the evaluation of primary and secondary pancreatic malignancies
Authors: Bohl Casey E. , Federico Sara M. , Robinson Giles W. , Bahrami Armita , Shulkin Barry L.
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Primary pancreatic carcinoma and pancreatic metastases are rare in the pediatric population. Pancreatoblastoma is the most common pancreatic malignant tumor in young children and solid‐pseudopapillary tumor in teenagers. Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is extremely rare under the age of 40 and is usually associated with underlying genetic abnormalities. Secondary malignancies of the pancreas occur more frequently than primary pancreatic malignancies in children and are most commonly seen with non‐Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) and mesenchymal sarcomas. The purpose of this study was to characterize the metabolism of primary and secondary tumors of the pancreas in pediatric patients.

Materials and methods

A retrospective analysis of all primary and secondary pancreatic malignancies imaged with 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)–positron emission tomography (PET) computed tomography (CT) was conducted.

Results

Three patients with primary pancreatic cancers were identified, one each with pancreatoblastoma, solid‐pseudopapillary tumor, and adenocarcinoma. Each tumor showed elevated uptake of FDG. Metastatic disease in the pancreas was identified in 12 patients—five NHL (including three Burkitt lymphomas), six sarcomas (three osteosarcomas, two rhabdomyosarcomas, and one Ewing sarcoma family tumor), and one malignant rhabdoid tumor. Elevated but variable uptake of FDG was found in each of the tumors of patients with metastatic disease within the pancreas.

Conclusion

Both primary malignancies and metastatic disease within the pancreas, though very rare in children, adolescents, and young adults, are metabolically active and can be functionally characterized using FDG–PET CT.
Impact of ovarian transposition before pelvic irradiation on ovarian function among long‐term survivors of childhood Hodgkin lymphoma: A report from the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study
Authors: Fernandez‐Pineda Israel , Davidoff Andrew M. , Lu Lu , Rao Bhaskar N. , Wilson Carmen L. , Srivastava D. Kumar , Klosky James L. , Metzger Monica L. , Krasin Matthew J. , Ness Kirsten K. , Pui Ching‐Hon , Robison Leslie L. , Hudson Melissa M. , Sklar Charles A. , Green Daniel M. , Chemaitilly Wassim
Published: May 2018

Background

We reviewed the effect of ovarian transposition (OT) on ovarian function among long‐term survivors of childhood Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) treated with pelvic radiotherapy.

Procedure

Female participants (age 18+ years) with HL in the St. Jude Lifetime Cohort Study (SJLIFE) were clinically evaluated for premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) 10 or more years after pelvic radiotherapy. Reproductive history including age at menopause and pregnancy/live births was available on all patients.

Results

Of 127 eligible females with HL, 90 (80%) participated in SJLIFE, including 49 who underwent OT before pelvic radiotherapy. Median age at STLIFE evaluation was 38 years (range 25–60). In a multiple regression adjusted for age at diagnosis, pelvic radiotherapy doses > 1,500 cGy (hazard ratio [HR] = 25.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.1–207.3; P = 0.0027) and cumulative cyclophosphamide equivalent doses of alkylating agents > 12,000 mg/m2 (HR = 11.2, 95% CI = 3.4–36.8; P < 0.0001) were significantly associated with POI. There was no significant association between OT and occurrence of POI (HR = 0.6, 95% CI = 0.2–1.9; P = 0.41).

Conclusions

OT did not appear to modify risk of POI in this historic cohort of long‐term survivors of HL treated with gonadotoxic therapy. Modern fertility preservation modalities, such as mature oocyte cryopreservation, should be offered to at‐risk patients whenever feasible.
Enhanced ionic conductivity of electrospun nanocomposite (PVDF‐HFP + TiO2 nanofibers fillers) polymer fibrous membrane electrolyte for DSSC application
Authors: Vinoth S. , Kanimozhi G. , Hari Prasad K. , Harish Kumar , Srinadhu E.S. , Satyanarayana N.
Published: May 2018

Electrospun pure polymer poly(vinylidene difluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) [P(VDF‐HFP)] fibrous membrane (esPFM) and electrospun nanocomposite polymer [P(VDF‐HFP) + TiO2 nanofibers fillers (2, 4, 6, and 8 wt%)] fibrous membranes (esNCPFMs) were prepared using electrospinning technique. All the prepared fibrous membranes were soaked in an optimized electrolytes [0.1M of each LiI/NaI/KI/TBAI + 0.6M BMII + 0.05M I2 + 0.5M of tert‐butyl pyridine + (acetonitrile: (EC: PC) (1:1v/v)) (60:40)] solutions to obtain esPFM and esNCPFMs electrolytes and were characterized using differential scanning calorimetric (DSC), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. Also, an electrolyte uptake behavior and ionic conductivity of all the prepared esPFM and esNCPFMs electrolytes samples were studied, respectively, using the calculated electrolyte uptake data and the resistance evaluated from the analysis of measured impedance data of each sample. The electrospun nanocomposite polymer (PVDF‐HFP + 6 wt% TiO2 nanofibers fillers) fibrous membrane electrolyte with LiI showed highest conductivity of 1.87 × 10−2 S/cm at room temperature, which was very good, compared to the liquid electrolyte systems. Transference number studies showed that the charge transport in the highest conducting 6 wt% of TiO2 nanofibers fillers of the esNCPFM sample with LiI is predominantly due to ions and has negligible electronic contribution. Hence, the newly developed high ionic conducting electrospun nanocomposite polymer (PVDF‐HFP + 6 wt% TiO2 nanofibers fillers) fibrous membrane with LiI can be a better electrolyte for developing high‐efficiency dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) application. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:1585–1594, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Signal detection on a patient cohort: A disproportionality analysis of the ANRS CO22 HEPATHER cohort to identify associations between direct acting antivirals and adverse events in patients with hepatitis C virus chronic infection
Authors: Feldman Sarah F. , Lapidus Nathanaël , Dorival Céline , Diallo Alpha , Amri Imane , Fontaine Hélène , Pol Stanislas , Carrat Fabrice ,   for the ANRS/AFEF HEPATHER study group
Published: May 2018

Purpose

Our aim was to explore a signal detection method for early identification of potential adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in a patient cohort.

Methods

ANRS CO22 HEPATHER is a French multicentre prospective observational cohort started in 2012. The cohort includes patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with reports of all adverse events (AEs) occurring in patients exposed to HCV drugs. We applied a disproportionality method, which calculated a measure of association, the Bayesian information component (IC), for each drug‐AE pair. Information components were continuously updated and a positive drug‐AE association was detected when the lower limit of an IC 95% credible interval (95% CI) exceeded 0. We illustrate how the method could result in timely detection of photosensitivity reaction with simeprevir use.

Results

By August 28, 2016, 6600 patients with HCV infection had been treated or were undergoing current HCV treatment, and 3464 experienced at least one AE for a total of 12 720 reported AEs. We detected 52 positive drug‐AE associations, including 44 that were known ADRs based on the summary of product characteristics. The association between simeprevir and photosensitivity reaction was detected on June 4, 2014. At this date, 68 patients had received simeprevir and 6 photosensitivity reaction (4 during simeprevir treatment) had been reported for an estimated IC of 1.90, 95% CI, 0.20‐3.61.

Conclusions

The disproportionality method can help with early detection of potential ADRs in patient cohorts. Detected associations need to be confirmed by a review of clinical data.
The classification of ATP‐binding cassette subfamily A member 3 mutations using the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator classification system
Authors: Denman Laura , Yonker Lael M. , Kinane Thomas Bernard
Published: May 2018

Importance

The ATP‐binding cassette subfamily A member 3 (ABCA3) protein plays a vital role in surfactant homeostasis. Mutations in the ABCA3 gene lead to the development of interstitial lung disease. In the most severe manifestation, mutations can lead to a fatal respiratory distress syndrome in neonates. ABCA3 belongs to the same ATP‐binding cassette transporter superfamily as the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), the gene that causes cystic fibrosis.

Objective

To classify ABCA3 mutations in a manner similar to CFTR mutations in order to take advantage of recent advances in therapeutics.

Methods

Sequence homology between the CFTR protein and the ABCA3 protein was established. The region of CFTR that is a target for the new potentiator class of drugs was of particular interest. We performed a literature search to obtain all published mutations that were thought to be disease causing. We classified these mutations using the established CFTR classification system. When possible, we drew on previous experimental classification of ABCA3 mutations.

Results

Although the proteins share the same overall structure, only a 19% identity was established between CFTR and ABCA3. The CFTR therapeutic target region has a 22% homology with the corresponding ABCA3 region. Totally 233 unique protein mutations were identified. All protein mutations were classified and mapped to a schematic diagram of the ABCA3 protein.

Interpretation

This new classification system for ABCA3, based on CFTR classification, will likely aid further research of clinical outcomes and identification of mutation‐tailored therapeutics, with the aim for improving clinical care for patients with ABCA3 mutations.
A brief introduction to institutional review boards in the United States
Authors: Qiao Haiping
Published: May 2018

China has become one of the main fields for international drug and device trials in the last twenty years. Although China has greatly strengthened the protection of human research participants over this time, there is still room for improvement. In order for Chinese investigators to participate in international clinical trials, compliance with internationally recognized ethical regulations is essential. In the United States (U.S.), research involving human subjects is reviewed by an ethics committee called the Institutional Review Board (IRB). In this article, we briefly introduce the background, composition, and function of the IRB in the U.S. to our Chinese investigators.
Anesthesia with propofol‐remifentanil combined with rocuronium for bronchial foreign body removal in children: Experience of 2 886 cases
Authors: Qiu Yongsheng , Qu Jinrong , Li Xiang , Li Hailiang
Published: May 2018

Importance

The appropriate anesthetic method can reduce the complications of children with tracheal foreign body and reduce the mortality rate of children. What kind of anesthetic method to choose has always been the focus of debate

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of anesthesia with propofolremifentanil combined with rocuronium for foreign body aspiration (FBA) removal with the positive‐pressure ventilation technique.

Methods

Medical records of patients who underwent bronchoscopy for evaluation of FBA in our unit from January 2015 to January 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data (age and sex), nature of foreign body and location, complications, length of hospital stay and outcome were analyzed.

Results

A total of 2 886 children were included in this study. The median age was 24 months (8 months to 10 years). FBA was detected and removed in 95.6% of patients. The average operation time was 17 ± 5 min and average length of hospital stay was 2 days. Observed peri‐interventional complications included desaturation (n = 66), laryngospasm (n = 19), laryngeal or subglottic edema (n = 15), irritating cough (n = 3), body movement (n = 76) and pneumonia (n = 206). No deaths occurred during hospitalization or follow‐up in this series.

Interpretation

Anesthesia with propofol‐remifentanil combined with rocuronium under positive‐pressure ventilation is an effective and safe technique during FBA removal in children.
Synthesis and properties of polytriazoleimide containing anthracene, pyridine and 1, 2, 3‐triazole groups and their nanocomposites with titanium dioxide
Authors: Balasubramanian Rukmanikrishnan , Fathima Rigana Mohamed Ismail , Thirukumaran Periyasamy , Atchudan Raji , Sarojadevi Muthusamy , Lee Jaewoong
Published: May 2018

A novel anthracene, pyridine and 1, 2, 3‐triazole containing diamine was synthesized by copper catalyst 1, 3‐dipolar cycloaddition of azides and alkynes groups (Click reaction). A series of polytriazoleimide (PTAI) nanocomposites were successfully prepared by condensation polymerization between the synthesized diamine monomer and commercially available pyromellitic dianhydride with different weight percentage of titanium dioxide (TiO2). The structure of the monomer and polymer were confirmed by the fourier transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The synthesized PTAI is readily soluble in common polar solvents. The PTAIs naocomposites exhibited high thermal stability, the temperature corresponding to a 5% weight loss in the range of 495°C–555°C, excellent flame retardancy (char yield were found to be in the range of 48.1–66.4) and high glass transition temperature (Tg) at (267°C–294°C). Furthermore incorporation of TiO2 into the PTAI matrix significantly improve the dielectric constant (2.70–4.75 at 1MHz) and dielectric loss (0.06–0.46 at 1 MHz). POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:129–138, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Creating procedural justice and legitimate authority within school discipline systems through youth court
Authors: Brasof Marc , Peterson Kate
Published: May 2018

Schools' ability to manage student misbehavior rests largely on students' perceptions of the discipline system and authority. According to the procedural justice perspective, when schools use discipline practices students perceive as unfair, they fail to see authority as legitimate, making them less likely to comply with rules and demand. Youth Court, a peer adjudication program, has been implemented in schools as an alternative to punitive policies. While effective, there is no current research that examines if Youth Court creates procedural justice and legitimate authority. Using qualitative data from three urban schools, this study investigates the fairness of Youth Court procedures within a procedural justice framework, as well as perceptions of primary discipline practices and authority. Findings revealed that each school still largely uses punitive policies that create procedural unfairness and undermine legitimate authority. Additionally, findings indicate Youth Court utilizes practices that allow for procedural justice that foster legitimate authority.
Influence of water depth on energy expenditure during aquatic walking in people post stroke
Authors: Lim Hyosok , Azurdia Daniel , Jeng Brenda , Jung Taeyou
Published: May 2018

Background and Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the metabolic cost during aquatic walking at various depths in people post stroke. The secondary purpose was to examine the differences in metabolic cost between aquatic walking and land walking among individuals post stroke.

Design

A cross‐sectional research design is used.

Methods

Twelve participants post stroke (aged 55.5 ± 13.3 years) completed 6 min of walking in 4 different conditions: chest‐depth, waist‐depth, and thigh‐depth water, and land. Data were collected on 4 separate visits with at least 48 hr in between. On the first visit, all participants were asked to walk in chest‐depth water at their fastest speed. The walking speed was used as a reference speed, which was applied to the remaining 3 walking conditions. The order of remaining walking conditions was randomized. Energy expenditure (EE), oxygen consumption (VO2), and minute ventilation (VE) were measured with a telemetric metabolic system.

Results

Our findings showed statistically significant differences in EE, VO2, and VE among the 4 different walking conditions: chest‐depth, waist‐depth, and thigh‐depth water, and land (all p < .05). The participants demonstrated reduction in all variables as the water depth increased from thigh depth to chest depth. Significantly higher values in EE and VO2 were found when the water depth increased from waist depth to chest depth. However, no significant difference was found in all variables between thigh‐depth and waist‐depth walking. Only thigh‐depth walking revealed significant differences when compared with land walking in all variables.

Conclusions

People post stroke consume less energy in chest‐depth water, which may allow them to perform prolonged duration of training. Thigh‐depth water demonstrated greater EE compared with other water depths; thus, it can be recommended for time‐efficient cardiovascular exercise. Waist‐depth water showed similar EE to land walking, which may have been contributed by the countervailing effects of buoyancy and water resistance.
Cabazitaxel regimens inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells and enhances the anti‐tumor properties of PEDF with various efficacy and toxicity
Authors: Jarvis Courtney , Nelius Thomas , Martinez‐Marin Dalia , Sennoune Souad R. , Filleur Stéphanie
Published: May 2018

Background

Taxanes chemotherapies represent the major therapeutic alternative for symptomatic mCRPC. While docetaxel is the most commonly prescribed Taxane for mCRPC; cabazitaxel has been approved for patients unresponsive to docetaxel. Still mCRPC remains incurable and patients often experience severe side effects. Recently, the FIRSTANA trial first demonstrated the absence of superiority in overall survival between cabazitaxel and docetaxel in mCRPC patients. Inversely, different toxicity were reported suggesting that cabazitaxel may provide a first line treatment option for some patients urging for a deeper characterization of cabazitaxel mechanisms of action as well as a re‐evaluation of cabazitaxel conventional dose and schedule. In this study, our goal was therefore to evaluate the anti‐tumor efficacy of various cabazitaxel regimens delivered as monotherapy or in combination with PEDF, a known anti‐angiogenic and anti‐neoplastic agent.

Methods

CRPC cells undergoing Taxane treatment were evaluated for cell proliferation, migration and death, and apoptosis using crystal violet staining, chemotaxis, cell cycle, and TUNEL assays. In vitro data were corroborated in CL1 CRPC xenografts where mice received intermittent or metronomic low‐doses cabazitaxel ± PEDF.

Results

We found that cabazitaxel inhibits the proliferation of CRPC cells with a higher efficacy than docetaxel in vitro. As expected, high‐doses of Taxanes blocked the cells in mitosis. Surprisingly, low‐doses of cabazitaxel induced more cell death than docetaxel mainly through apoptosis. In vivo, intermittent cabazitaxel lead to disease stabilization when combined with PEDF. Unexpectedly, low‐doses of cabazitaxel delayed tumor growth with severe toxicity for some of the doses tested. Other results showed that PEDF and low‐doses of cabazitaxel combination inhibited the migration of tumor cell and increased the tumoricidal activity of macrophages toward prostate tumor cells.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the great promise of cabazitaxel drug and predict a possible move of cabazitaxel forward within the therapeutic sequence of prostate cancer.
Growth hormone‐releasing hormone receptor antagonists modify molecular machinery in the progression of prostate cancer
Authors: Muñoz‐Moreno Laura , Schally Andrew V. , Prieto Juan C. , Carmena M. José , Bajo Ana M.
Published: May 2018

Background

Therapeutic strategies should be designed to transform aggressive prostate cancer phenotypes to a chronic situation. To evaluate the effects of the new growth hormone‐releasing hormone receptor (GHRH‐R) antagonists: MIA‐602, MIA‐606, and MIA‐690 on processes associated with cancer progression as cell proliferation, adhesion, migration, and angiogenesis.

Methods

We used three human prostate cell lines (RWPE‐1, LNCaP, and PC3). We analyzed several molecules such as E‐cadherin, β‐catenin, Bcl2, Bax, p53, MMP2, MMP9, PCNA, and VEGF and signaling mechanisms that are involved on effects exerted by GHRH‐R antagonists.

Results

GHRH‐R antagonists decreased cell viability and provoked a reduction in proliferation in LNCaP and PC3 cells. Moreover, GHRH‐R antagonists caused a time‐dependent increase of cell adhesion in all three cell lines and retarded the wound closure with the highest value with MIA‐690 in PC3 cells. GHRH‐R antagonists also provoked a large number of cells in SubG0 phase revealing an increase in apoptotic cells in PC3 cell line.

Conclusions

Taken all together, GHRH‐R antagonists of the MIAMI series appear to be inhibitors of tumor progression in prostate cancer and should be considered for use in future therapeutic strategies on this malignancy.
Beyond insects: current status and achievements of RNA interference in mite pests and future perspectives
Authors: Niu Jinzhi , Shen Guangmao , Christiaens Olivier , Smagghe Guy , He Lin , Wang Jinjun
Published: May 2018

Mites comprise a group of key agricultural pests on a wide range of crops. They cause harm through feeding on the plant and transferring dangerous pathogens, and the rapid evolution of pesticide resistance in mites highlights the need for novel control methods. Currently, RNA interference (RNAi) shows great potential for insect pest control. Here, we review the literature regarding RNAi in mite pests. We discuss different target genes and RNAi efficiency in various mite species, a promising Varroa control program using RNAi, the synergy of RNAi with plant defense mechanisms and microorganisms, and current understanding of systemic movement of double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA). On the basis of this evidence, we can conclude that there is clear potential for application of RNAi‐based mite control, but further research on several aspects of RNAi in mites is needed, including: (i) the factors influencing RNAi efficiency, (ii) the mechanism of environmental RNAi and cross‐kingdom dsRNA trafficking, (iii) the mechanism of possible systemic and parental RNAi, and (iv) non‐target effects, specifically in predatory mites, which should be considered during RNAi target selection. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Investigation of Low‐Temperature Sintering Mechanism on BaONd2O3TiO2 Dielectric Ceramics with Li2OB2O3‐SiO2 and BaOZnOB2O3 Glasses
Authors: Chen Yawei , Zhang Shuren , Li Enzhu , Zou Mengying , Duan Shuxin
Published: May 2018

In this paper, the BaONd2O3TiO2 (BNT) ceramics are synthesized at low temperature with the assistance of Li2OB2O3SiO2 (LBS) and BaOZnOB2O3 (BZB) glasses. The influences of glasses on the sintering behavior, phase composition, microstructure, activation energy (Ea) on the BNT ceramics are studied in detail. The results show that a new phase, Ba2LiB5O10, is formed from the chemical reaction between LBS and BZB glasses. The sintering temperature of BNT ceramics can be effectively reduced by 450 °C due to the synergetic effect of LBS and BZB glasses and the appearance of Ba2LiB5O10 phase.
One‐Step Hydrothermal Synthesis of ZnS Quantum Dots‐Reduced Graphene Oxide Composites with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Wei Maobin , Hong Yuanze , Han Donglai , Yang Lili , Liu Huilian , Su Longxing
Published: May 2018

Zinc sulfur quantum dots‐reduced graphene oxide (ZnS QDs‐rGO) composites are successfully synthesized by a one‐step hydrothermal method. The ZnS QDs are well scattered on the surface of the wrinkled rGO with smaller particle size compared with initial ZnS QDs. The influence of the content of rGO in composites on the photocatalytic effect is also investigated in detail. The ZnS QDs‐1.0% rGO has the highest photocatalytic activity and the degradation kinetics of methylene blue is more consistent with the zero order kinetic model than the pseudo first order kinetic model in this experiment. The mechanism for the enhancement of photocatalytic activity is mainly due to promoting separation of the photogenerated carriers with the introduction of rGO and the increase in specific surface area of ZnS QDs due to decrease in size. These results reveal that the effective synergistic action between ZnS QDs and rGO is the key factor to determine the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of the ZnS QDs‐rGO composites.
Defect Parameters Contour Mapping: A Powerful Tool for Lifetime Spectroscopy Data Analysis
Authors: Bernardini Simone , Naerland Tine U. , Coletti Gianluca , Bertoni Mariana I.
Published: May 2018

Temperature‐ and injection‐dependent lifetime spectroscopy (TIDLS) is extensively used for the characterization of defects in silicon material for photovoltaic applications. By coupling TIDLS measurements with Shockley–Read–Hall recombination models, the most important defects’ parameters can be assessed including the defect energy level Et and the capture cross section ratio k. However, while proving extremely helpful in a variety of studies aiming at the characterization of contaminated silicon, a generalized approach for the analysis of industrially‐relevant material has not yet emerged. In this contribution, we examine in detail the recently introduced defect parameters contour mapping (DPCM) methodology for TIDLS data analysis as a tool for direct visualization of possible lifetime limiting defects. Herein, we showcase the DPCM method's potential by applying it to two representative case studies selected from literature and we demonstrate that, even when data are scarce, invaluable information is obtained in an easy and intuitive way without any a priori assumption needed. We then apply the DPCM method to simulated TIDLS data to evaluate the general characteristics of its response and the optimal conditions for its application. This analysis proves that the temperature dependence of lifetime is the most critical information required toward a really univocal identification of metal impurities.
On the performance of coefficient of variation control charts in Phase I
Authors: Dawod Abdaljbbar B.A. , Abbasi Saddam Akber , Al‐Momani Marwan
Published: May 2018

Control charts are mainly carried out in 2 interconnected phases: Phase I (retrospective phase) and Phase II (monitoring phase). Phase I uses a stable historical sample to establish control limits that will be used later in Phase II. The preciseness of the control limits obtained from Phase I can greatly affect the performance of control charts in Phase II. Monitoring the coefficient of variation (CV) is an effective approach when the process mean or standard deviation is not constant. Until now, little work has been dedicated on investigating the performance of CV control charts in Phase I. Viewed under this perspective, this study investigates the performance of CV control charts in Phase I in terms of probability to signal. A real‐life example is also provided to illustrate the working of CV charts in Phase I.
A robotic suture‐passing device for possible use in SILS and NOTES
Authors: Farooq Muhammad Umar , Kim Woo Young , Ko Seong Young
Published: May 2018

Background

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic (NOTES) and single incisional laparoscopic surgeries (SILS) have been gaining importance over the last two decades. Due to improper instrumentation, small workspace and the imperceptibility of body structures, suturing and knot‐tying are difficult to perform in both.

Methods

An intracorporeal suture‐passing device with two manipulator arms is proposed that automatically passes the suture around ducts of up to 7 mm diameter, without additional manipulation of any other surgical instrument, and it can be deployed through a trocar of 3 mm inner diameter.

Results

The working mechanism was validated by 15 trials, where passing the suture around a phantom tube was tested, and the operating time measured as (34.55 ± 4.55) seconds.

Conclusions

Suturing and knotting in SILS and NOTES are currently challenging techniques, but the proposed device enables the suture to be automatically passed around ducts. It is expected that clinical evaluations of future prototypes will further confirm the efficacy of the device.
Efficacy of Human Placental-Derived Stem Cells in Collagen VII Knockout (Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa) Animal Model
Authors: Liao Yanling , Ivanova Larisa , Sivalenka Rajarajeswari , Plumer Trevor , Zhu Hongwen , Zhang Xiaokui , Christiano Angela M. , McGrath John A. , Gurney Jodi P. , Cairo Mitchell S.
Published: May 2018

Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a devastating inherited skin blistering disease caused by mutations in the COL7A1 gene that encodes type VII collagen (C7), a major structural component of anchoring fibrils at the dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ). We recently demonstrated that human cord blood-derived unrestricted somatic stem cells promote wound healing and ameliorate the blistering phenotype in a RDEB (col7a1−/−) mouse model. Here, we demonstrate significant therapeutic effect of a further novel stem cell product in RDEB, that is, human placental-derived stem cells (HPDSCs), currently being used as human leukocyte antigen-independent donor cells with allogeneic umbilical cord blood stem cell transplantation in patients with malignant and nonmalignant diseases. HPDSCs are isolated from full-term placentas following saline perfusion, red blood cell depletion, and volume reduction. HPDSCs contain significantly higher level of both hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic stem and progenitor cells than cord blood and are low in T cell content. A single intrahepatic administration of HPDSCs significantly elongated the median life span of the col7a1−/− mice from 2 to 7 days and an additional intrahepatic administration significantly extended the median life span to 18 days. We further demonstrated that after intrahepatic administration, HPDSCs engrafted short-term in the organs affected by RDEB, that is, skin and gastrointestinal tract of col7a1−/− mice, increased adhesion at the DEJ and deposited C7 even at 4 months after administration of HPDSCs, without inducing anti-C7 antibodies. This study warrants future clinical investigation to determine the safety and efficacy of HPDSCs in patients with severe RDEB.
3D Hybrid Small Scale Devices
Authors: Pagaduan Jayson V. , Bhatta Anil , Romer Lewis H. , Gracias David H.
Published: May 2018

Interfacing nano/microscale elements with biological components in 3D contexts opens new possibilities for mimicry, bionics, and augmentation of organismically and anatomically inspired materials. Abiotic nanoscale elements such as plasmonic nanostructures, piezoelectric ribbons, and thin film semiconductor devices interact with electromagnetic fields to facilitate advanced capabilities such as communication at a distance, digital feedback loops, logic, and memory. Biological components such as proteins, polynucleotides, cells, and organs feature complex chemical synthetic networks that can regulate growth, change shape, adapt, and regenerate. Abiotic and biotic components can be integrated in all three dimensions in a well‐ordered and programmed manner with high tunability, versatility, and resolution to produce radically new materials and hybrid devices such as sensor fabrics, anatomically mimetic microfluidic modules, artificial tissues, smart prostheses, and bionic devices. In this critical Review, applications of small scale devices in 3D hybrid integration, biomicrofluidics, advanced prostheses, and bionic organs are discussed.
Robust and Stable Cu Nanowire@Graphene Core–Shell Aerogels for Ultraeffective Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
Authors: Wu Shiting , Zou Mingchu , Li Zhencheng , Chen Daqin , Zhang Hui , Yuan Yongjun , Pei Yongmao , Cao Anyuan
Published: May 2018

Cu nanowires (CuNWs) are considered as a promising candidate to develop high performance metal aerogels, yet the construction of robust and stable 3D porous structures remains challenging which severely limits their practical applications. Here, graphene‐hybridized CuNW (CuNW@G) core–shell aerogels are fabricated by introducing a conformal polymeric coating and in situ transforming it into multilayered graphene seamlessly wrapped around individual CuNWs through a mild thermal annealing process. The existence of the outer graphene shell reinforces the 3D bulk structure and significantly slows down the oxidation process of CuNWs, resulting in improved mechanical property and highly stable electrical conductivity. When applied in electromagnetic interference shielding, the CuNW@G core–shell aerogels exhibit an average effectiveness of ≈52.5 dB over a wide range (from 8.2 to 18 GHz) with negligible degradation under ambient conditions for 40 d. Mechanism analysis reveals that the graphene shell with functional groups enables dual reflections on the core–shell and a multiple dielectric relaxation process, leading to enhanced dielectric loss and energy dissipation within the core–shell aerogels. The flexible core–shell‐structured CuNW@G aerogels, with superior mechanical robustness and electrical stability, have potential applications in many areas such as advanced energy devices and functional composites.
In Situ Synthesis of MoP Nanoflakes Intercalated N‐Doped Graphene Nanobelts from MoO3–Amine Hybrid for High‐Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Huang Chao , Pi Chaoran , Zhang Xuming , Ding Kang , Qin Ping , Fu Jijiang , Peng Xiang , Gao Biao , Chu Paul K. , Huo Kaifu
Published: May 2018

Molybdenum phosphide (MoP) is a promising non‐noble‐metal electrocatalyst in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), but practical implementation is impeded by the sluggish HER kinetics and poor chemical stability. Herein, a novel high‐efficiency HER electrocatalyst comprising MoP nanoflakes intercalated nitrogen‐doped graphene nanobelts (MoP/NG), which are synthesized by one‐step thermal phosphiding organic–inorganic hybrid dodecylamine (DDA) inserted MoO3 nanobelts, is reported. The intercalated DDA molecules are in situ carbonized into the NG layer and the sandwiched MoO3 layer is converted into MoP nanoflakes which are intercalated between the NG layers forming the alternatingly stacked MoP/NG hybrid nanobelts. The MoP nanoflakes provide abundant edge sites and the sandwiched MoP/NG hybrid enables rapid ion/electron transport thus yielding excellent electrochemical activity and stability for HER. The MoP/NG shows a low overpotential of 94 mV at 10 mA cm−2, small Tafel slope of 50.1 mV dec−1, and excellent electrochemical stability with 99.5% retention for over 22 h.
3D Architectures of CoxP Using Silk Fibroin Scaffolds: An Active and Stable Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Generation in Acidic and Alkaline Media
Authors: Kim Taek‐Seung , Song Hee Jo , Kim Jae‐Chan , Ju Bobae , Kim Dong‐Wan
Published: May 2018

Developing nonprecious, highly active, and stable catalysts is essential for efficient electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction in water splitting. In this study, the facile synthesis of a 3D flower‐like CoxP/carbon architecture is proposed composed of an assembly of nanosheets interconnected by silk fibroin that acts as 3D scaffolds and a carbon source. This unique 3D architecture coupled with a carbon matrix enhances catalytic activity by exposing more active sites and increasing charge transport. The flower‐like CoxP/carbon can facilitate a lower overpotential, Tafel slope, charge transfer resistance, and a higher electrochemically active surface than carbon‐free and silk‐free CoxP. The nanostructured architecture exhibits excellent catalytic performance with low overpotentials of 109 and 121 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and Tafel slopes of 55 and 62 mV dec−1 in acidic and alkaline media, respectively. Furthermore, it minimally degrades the overpotential and current density after long‐term stability tests 10 000 cyclic voltammetry cycles and a chronoamperometric test over 40 h, respectively, in acidic media, which confirms the high durability and stability of the flower‐like CoxP/carbon.
Highly Stable All‐Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells Processed at Low Temperature
Authors: Tang Kai Chi , You Peng , Yan Feng
Published: May 2018

All‐inorganic perovskites such as cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3) can show much better stability than organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite materials in ambient air. However, fabricating a high‐quality CsPbBr3 perovskite film normally requires a high annealing temperature, leading to the difficulty of preparing CsPbBr3 solar cells with low‐temperature solution process. In this work, we demonstrated a pyridine‐vapor treatment in two‐step fabrication of CsPbBr3 perovskite films that can reduce the annealing temperature to about 160 °C. The mechanism is attributed to the reaction of pyridine with lead bromide, which forms an intermediate phase and leads to a low activation energy in the formation of CsPbBr3 perovskite films during thermal annealing. The devices without encapsulation show excellent stability in ambient air with the humidity up to 70%. This work provides a novel approach for preparing inorganic perovskite solar cells at low temperature.
Efficient design and extensive hardware evaluation of an anonymous data aggregation scheme for smart grid
Authors: Abbasinezhad‐Mood Dariush , Nikooghadam Morteza
Published: May 2018

In smart grid, consumption reports are sent to the energy supplier at regular intervals through some data collectors. This high‐frequent usage reports' collection may divulge the privacy of smart grid users. Recently, Badra and Zeadally have proposed an interesting virtual ring architecture that is used to collect the smart meters' requests while keeping the privacy of smart grid users. However, their proposed scheme suffers from the false data pollution attack. Several other data collection schemes have been proposed in the last decade. Nevertheless, most of them only have considered the external attackers, some of them rely on a third‐trusted party, some are not anonymous, and none of them has examined suitable hardware to be employed by each entity in smart grid. Thus, in this paper, we propose a lightweight and anonymous data collection scheme that can both provide the required privacy of consumers and resist the attacks performed by both external and internal adversaries. More importantly, we have implemented the cryptographic elements on three state‐of‐the‐art hardware. Detailed comparative performance analysis demonstrates the efficiency of the proposed scheme in terms of both communication and computational costs. We hope that the achieved results be useful for other future researches in this field.
Superabsorbent Hydrogels From Rice Starches With Different Amylose Contents
Authors: Sangseethong Kunruedee , Chatakanonda Pathama , Sriroth Klanarong
Published: May 2018

Bio‐based superabsorbent hydrogels from rice starches are prepared and characterized. Three rice starches with different amylose contents are carboxymethylated to obtain carboxymethyl rice starches (CMRS) with similar degrees of substitution. The hydrogels are then prepared from CMRS using citric acid as a cross‐linker. The chemical structure of CMRS and the formation of ester linkages in the hydrogels are confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) reveal that rice starch hydrogels had a three‐dimensional interconnected porous structure. Free swelling capacity and absorbency under load (AUL) of the hydrogels are investigated. The results suggest that regardless of amylose content, the three rice starches yield hydrogels with similar characteristics. Amylose content appears to have a certain effect on mechanical strength but not on the free swelling capacity of the hydrogels.
Functional Biocomposites Based on Plasticized Starch/halloysite Nanotubes for Drug‐Release Applications
Authors: Ren Jiawei , Han Lei , Cai Haifeng , Wu Kai , Avérous Luc , Guo Weihong
Published: May 2018

Functional biocomposites are elaborated by melt‐blending plasticized starch with halloysite nanotubes for drug‐release applications. Halloysite nanotubes are used as nanoscale containers for vanillin storage. The ATR‐IR results showed that vanillin is successfully loaded into halloysite nanotubes. The drug‐loading efficiency is approximately 8 wt%, as shown by TGA and UV‐VIS spectrometry. The effects of the surrounding environment and the matrix type on vanillin release kinetics and drug‐release mechanisms are carefully evaluated. A relationship between the vanillin release kinetics and plasticizer type is observed. The vanillin release mechanisms are studied by fitting experimental data to three different model equations. Best fit is obtained with an anomalous law (non‐Fickian). Finally, the uniaxial tensile test shows that incorporation of vanillin does not significantly affect the tensile properties. The TGA results show a slight decrease in the thermal stability of the biocomposites after the addition of vanillin. This paper presents a simple strategy to prepare starch‐based films with high value with, for example, antimicrobial and/or flavor release properties, which could have strong potential for several applications, such as active and renewable packaging or even biomedical materials.
Identification of damping ratio and its influences on wind‐ and earthquake‐induced effects for large cooling towers
Authors: Ke S.T. , Yu W. , Xu L. , Ge Y.J. , Tamura Y.
Published: May 2018

Standard 5% damping ratio for high‐rise concrete structures is generally used for dynamic analysis under the action of wind and earthquakes in the existing cooling tower regulations and researches. But considering the unique configuration and material attributes of large cooling towers, the actual damping ratio must be far smaller than the recommended. However, only a few field measurements of damping ratio for large cooling towers have been conducted; neither are there thorough investigation into the qualitative and quantification of wind and seismic effects under different damping ratio. To fill this gap, field measurements of a large cooling tower standing 179 m in northwestern China was performed and acceleration vibration signals at representative positions of the tower under ambient excitation were obtained. The vibration signals were preprocessed combining random decrement technique and natural excitation technique. Three pattern recognition methods (auto‐regressive and moving mean model, Ibrahim time domain, and spare time domain (STD)) were applied to analyze the frequencies, damping ratios, and modes of vibration for the first 10 order modes. Following the line of thought of modal combination, the equivalent synthetic damping ratio was derived. Under 5 damping ratios (0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 5%), a comparative analysis on the dynamic responses of the cooling tower to wind and single seismic loading by using full transient method was performed. On this basis, the patterns of influence of damping ratio on wind‐induced vibration, wind vibration coefficient, and time history and extrema of seismic responses were extracted. Finally, different combinations of dead weight, wind, temperature in winter, sunshine duration, and seismic intensity and those of accidental seismic effects (8 working conditions) were considered, using equivalent synthetic damping ratio and standard damping ratio. Thus, the most unfavorable working conditions were identified under actual and standard damping ratios for the large cooling tower. Our research findings provide reference for determining the value of damping ratio in large cooling towers and deepening the understanding on the influence mechanism of damping ratio.
Fundal pressure in second stage of labor (Kristeller maneuver) is associated with increased risk of levator ani muscle avulsion
Authors: Youssef A. , Salsi G. , Cataneo I. , Pacella G. , Azzarone C. , Paganotto M. C. , Krsmanovic J. , Montaguti E. , Cariello L. , Bellussi F. , Rizzo N. , Pilu G.
Published: May 2018

Objective

To investigate the association between application of fundal pressure during the second stage of labor (Kristeller maneuver) and the risk of levator ani muscle (LAM) injury.

Methods

This was a prospective case–control study of women recruited immediately after their first vaginal delivery in our university hospital between March 2014 and September 2016. Women who underwent the Kristeller maneuver were recruited as cases. For each case, a control (no Kristeller) was recruited matched for body mass index, use of epidural analgesia, duration of second stage of labor and birth weight. All women were invited to undergo four‐dimensional (4D) transperineal ultrasound (TPU) 3–6 months postpartum. The main outcome measure was the presence of LAM avulsion on 4D‐TPU. TPU results were compared between cases and controls. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for LAM avulsion.

Results

During the study period, 134 women in the Kristeller maneuver group and 128 women in the control group underwent TPU assessment. Women who underwent the Kristeller maneuver had a higher prevalence of LAM avulsion than did controls (38/134 (28.4%) vs 18/128 (14.1%); P = 0.005). In addition, women in the Kristeller‐maneuver group had a larger hiatal area on maximum Valsalva maneuver and a greater increase in hiatal area from rest to maximum Valsalva. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, use of the Kristeller maneuver was the only independent factor associated with LAM avulsion (odds ratio, 2.5 (95% CI, 1.29–4.51)).

Conclusion

The Kristeller maneuver is associated with an increased risk of LAM avulsion when applied in women during their first vaginal delivery. This should be taken into account when deciding to use fundal pressure to accelerate the second stage of labor and when counseling women following childbirth. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
A pack of dogs is more effective at flushing red foxes to guns than a pair
Authors: Naylor Jeremy R. J. , Knott John G.
Published: May 2018

Legislation passed in Scotland in 2002 and England and Wales in 2004 banned the hunting of wild mammals with domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), with specific exemptions that allow red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) to be driven out (“flushed”) from areas of terrain (“coverts”) to be shot as a means of pest control. In England and Wales, there is a limit of 2 dogs; whereas, in Scotland, there is no limit. The difference in the number of dogs allowed may have important implications for the efficacy of fox population control where they are considered to be a pest and potentially for the welfare of foxes being flushed. We addressed these questions by using a pack and a pair of dogs (foxhounds) to flush foxes to waiting guns from the same 80 coverts (in Scotland, from early Dec 2012 to late Mar 2013) in a balanced randomized crossover design, comparing the number of foxes flushed, time taken to flush them, and duration of active pursuit by dogs. Data were analyzed using regression models, with hunting method (pack vs. pair) and potential confounding environmental, operational, and terrain factors as independent variables. Models were compared using Akaike's Information Criteria (AICc) and parameter estimates were obtained from the best fitting (ΔAICc <4.0) models using AICc weighted model‐averaging. When we used a pair of dogs as compared with a pack, 56% fewer foxes were flushed. Whereas when we used a pack, the time to the first fox being flushed was 2.94 times less than with a pair and the time from start of active pursuit to the first fox being flushed was 5.05 times less. These findings provide support to the contentions that the use of a pair rather than a pack of dogs a) is considerably less effective in flushing foxes to guns, and b) imposes a longer duration of pursuit on foxes. © 2018 The Authors. Wildlife Society Bulletin published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Wildlife Society.