bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A primer to gene therapy: Progress, prospects, and problems
Authors: Zittersteijn Hidde A. , Gonçalves Manuel A.F.V. , Hoeben Rob C.
Published: June 2020

Genetic therapies based on gene addition have witnessed a variety of clinical successes and the first therapeutic products have been approved for clinical use. Moreover, innovative gene editing techniques are starting to offer new opportunities in which the mutations that underlie genetic diseases can be directly corrected in afflicted somatic cells. The toolboxes underpinning these DNA modifying technologies are expanding with great pace. Concerning the ongoing efforts for their implementation, viral vector‐based gene delivery systems have acquired center‐stage, providing new hopes for patients with inherited and acquired disorders. Specifically, the application of genetic therapies using viral vectors for the treatment of inborn metabolic disorders is growing and clinical applications are starting to appear. While the field has matured from the technology perspective and has yielded efficacious products, it is the perception of many stakeholders that from the regulatory side further developments are urgently needed. In this review, we summarize the features of state‐of‐the‐art viral vector systems and the corresponding gene‐centered therapies they seek to deliver. Moreover, a brief summary is also given on emerging gene editing approaches built on CRISPR‐Cas9 nucleases and, more recently, nickases, including base editors and prime editors. Finally, we will point at some regulatory aspects that may deserve further attention for translating these technological developments into actual advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs).
Comparative Complication Rates of 854 Central Venous Access Devices for Home Parenteral Nutrition in Cancer Patients: A Prospective Study of Over 169,000 Catheter‐Days
Authors: Cotogni Paolo , Mussa Baudolino , Degiorgis Claudia , De Francesco Antonella , Pittiruti Mauro
Published: June 2020

Background

Whether peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are appropriate as safe and durable venous access devices (VADs) is still controversial. The aim of this 7‐year, prospective cohort study was to compare the incidence rate differences of catheter‐related complications (CRCs) among 4 types of central VADs in cancer patients receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN).

Methods

We enrolled all adult cancer outpatients who were candidates for HPN and who had a central VAD inserted during the study period, focusing on the incidence rate of CRCs.

Results

We evaluated 854 central VADs (401 PICCs, 137 nontunneled centrally inserted central catheters [CICCs], 118 tunneled‐cuffed CICCs, and 198 ports) in 761 patients, for a total of 169,116 catheter‐days. Overall, the rate of total CRCs was 1.08/1000 catheter‐days. The incidence of catheter‐related bloodstream infections was low (0.29/1000), particularly for PICCs (0.08/1000; P < .001 vs tunneled‐cuffed CICCs) and for ports (0.21/1000; P < .019 vs tunneled‐cuffed CICCs). The rates of mechanical complications (0.58/1000) and of catheter‐related symptomatic thrombosis (0.09/1000) were low and similar for PICCs, tunneled‐cuffed CICCs, and ports. In terms of duration and removal rate due to complications, PICCs were like tunneled‐cuffed CICCs and ports. Altogether, PICCs had fewer total complications than tunneled‐cuffed CICCs (P < .001), there was no difference in total complications between PICCs and ports.

Conclusion

PICCs had significantly better outcomes than tunneled‐cuffed CICCs and were safe and durable as ports. Our extensive, long‐term study suggests that PICCs can be successfully used as safe and long‐lasting VADs for HPN in cancer patients.
Microsimulation Model to Compare Enteral and Parenteral Iron Supplementation in Children With Intestinal Failure
Authors: Raghu Vikram Kalathur , Rudolph Jeffrey A. , Jalal Hawre J. , Smith Kenneth J.
Published: June 2020

Background

Children with chronic intestinal failure have a high prevalence of anemia, commonly from iron deficiency, leading to frequent blood transfusions. No current guideline exists for iron supplementation in these children. In this analysis, we evaluate the effectiveness and the cost‐effectiveness of using parenteral, enteral, and no iron supplementation to reduce blood transfusions.

Methods

We created a microsimulation model of pediatric intestinal failure over a 1‐year time horizon. Model outcomes included cost (US dollars), blood transfusions received, and hemoglobin trend. Strategies tested included no supplementation, daily enteral supplementation, and monthly parenteral supplementation. We estimated parameters for the model using an institutional cohort of 55 patients. Model parameters updated each 1‐month cycle using 2 regressions. A multivariate mixed‐effects linear regression estimated hemoglobin values at the next month based on data from the prior month. A mixed‐effects logistic regression on hemoglobin predicted the probability of receiving a blood transfusion in a given month.

Results

Compared with no supplementation, both enteral and parenteral iron supplementation reduced blood transfusions required per patient by 0.3 and 0.5 transfusions per year, respectively. Enteral iron cost $34 per avoided blood transfusion. Parenteral iron cost an additional $6600 per avoided blood transfusion compared with enteral iron.

Conclusions

We found both parenteral and enteral iron to be effective at reducing blood transfusions. The cost of enteral iron makes it the desired choice in patients who can tolerate it. Future work should aim to identify which subpopulations of patients may benefit most from one strategy over the other.
Validation of an Objective Assessment Tool for Tonsillectomy in Otolaryngology Resident Training
Authors: Jakubowski Luke , Leader Brittany A. , Ishman Stacey L. , Chun Robert , Tarima Sergey S. , Parikh Sanjay , Skinner Margaret , Thorne Marc , Weatherly Robert , Wiet Gregory , Brown David J.
Published: June 2020

Objective

Create and validate an objective structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS) for otolaryngology residents learning how to perform a tonsillectomy.

Study Design

Multicenter prospective longitudinal validation study.

Methods

A multi‐institutional study at six tertiary academic otolaryngology residency programs from July 2009 to May 2012. Using the modified Delphi technique, a panel of pediatric otolaryngologists created a tonsillectomy task‐based checklist (TBC) for a tonsil OSATS using a 5‐point Likert‐type scale. Residents were assessed by pediatric otolaryngology staff at the time of surgery with the TBC and a global rating scale. Procedure time, patient age, number of previously performed tonsillectomies, and surgical technique were also collected.

Results

One hundred sixty‐seven tonsil OSATS were completed for 38 residents, and competency was recorded for 99 (59.2%). Residents scored as competent had performed significantly more previous tonsillectomies than those deemed noncompetent, 44.4 ± 35.6 and 13.5 ± 11.6, respectively (P < .001). The mean overall score on the tonsil TBC was 4.0 ± 0.8 and 2.6 ± 1.0 for competent and noncompetent, respectively (P < .001). Higher number of tonsillectomies performed and mean tonsil TBC score significantly increased the likelihood of competency (P < .001). Each additional tonsillectomy performed increased the likelihood of achieving competency by 6.3% (P = .006, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.330–1.110), and each 1.0 point increase in mean tonsil TBC score increased the likelihood of competency by a factor of 2.71 (P = .006, 95% CI:1.330–5.513). There is a 95% likelihood of competency at 48 tonsillectomies or a tonsil TBC score of 4.91.

Conclusion

The tonsil OSATS is a valid and feasible instrument to assess resident competency with tonsillectomy and provides timely objective feedback.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 131:E359–E366, 2021
Current vegetation structure and composition of woody species in community‐derived categories of land degradation in a semiarid rangeland in Kunene region, Namibia
Authors: Inman Emilia N. , Hobbs Richard J. , Tsvuura Zivanai , Valentine Leonie
Published: June 2020

Land degradation has put the world's rangelands under intense pressure and reduced their capacity to provide vital services to those who solely depend on them for survival. With the current pressures on rangelands, worldwide, there is an urgent need to survey the present condition of rangelands. Such detailed surveys can identify where improvement programmes can be emphasised; whether it be reseeding, stock control, sociological restraints or other actions. To combat rangeland degradation, management systems are more effective when they account for community perceptions and practices. This study aims to assess the current status of woody plants in different categories of degradation as perceived by herders in Kunene, Namibia. Furthermore, we wished to compare the perception of degradation by herders with the measured ecological condition. With the help of herders, sites representing different categories of degradation (low, moderate, high and protected) were identified and 10 plots of 400m2 each were established in each category. Species diversity, density, basal area and regeneration of woody plants increased sequentially along the degradation gradient (high to low). Vegetation attributes such as species diversity, seedling density and standing basal area increased with increasing distances from the villages. Although the herders' perception of degradation, for high and moderate degradation, matches the ecological results, the low degradation sites show signs of bush encroachment, a type of degradation that the herders did not perceive as degradation. Colophospermum mopane, a known encroacher species across Namibia, was the dominant species in the moderate and low degradation sites. Pechuel‐loeschea leubnitziae, which is also known to be an indicator of degradation, was the dominant species in the high degradation sites. The findings highlight the present and future threats the study area is facing and form the basis for current restoration research.
Spatiotemporal analysis of deforestation in the Chapare region of Bolivia using LANDSAT images
Authors: Bagan Hasi , Millington Andrew , Takeuchi Wataru , Yamagata Yoshiki
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study is to quantify (a) spatiotemporal deforestation patterns, and (b) the relationships between changes in the main land‐cover types in the Chapare region of Bolivia. We applied subspace classification methods to LANDSAT data from 1986, 1999, and 2018 and used grid cells at scales of 150, 300, 600, and 900 m to measure deforestation trajectories. The 150 m grids provided better detail to determine deforestation trajectories than coarser‐scale grid cells. Differences in grid‐cell scale did not influence the statistical trends in land‐cover changes significantly. Changes in forest area were negatively correlated with changes in cropland (r = −.44), grassland (r = −.34), swamp grassland (r = −.38), and regrowth (r = −.32) areas. Correlations between forest losses in cropland, grassland, and regrowth change analyses were weaker between 1999 and 2018 compared to 1986 to 1999. Forest cover declined from 6,635 km2 (1986) to 3,800 km2 (2018), and the deforestation rate increased from an annual average of 1.36% between 1986 and 1999 to 2.0% between 1999 and 2018. The key proximate drivers of forest clearance rates and patterns were increasing population, agricultural expansion, and road building. While coca is an economically important crop in Chapare, its direct and indirect effects on deforestation could not be determined unambiguously. It is probable that the expansion of agriculture will lead to further deforestation and forest fragmentation and, along with decreases in forest cover, further changes will take place between non‐forest categories.
1.3 µm Quantum Dot‐Distributed Feedback Lasers Directly Grown on (001) Si
Authors: Wan Yating , Norman Justin C. , Tong Yeyu , Kennedy M. J. , He William , Selvidge Jenny , Shang Chen , Dumont Mario , Malik Aditya , Tsang Hon Ki , Gossard Arthur C. , Bowers John E.
Published: June 2020

Distributed feedback (DFB) lasers represent a central focus for wavelength‐division‐multiplexing‐based transceivers in metropolitan networks. Here, the first 1.3 µm quantum dot (QD) DFB lasers grown on a complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS)‐compatible (001) Si substrate are reported. Temperature‐stable, single‐longitudinal‐mode operation is achieved with a side‐mode suppression ratio of more than 50 dB and a threshold current density of 440 A cm−2. A single‐lane rate of 128 Gbit s−1 with a net spectral efficiency of 1.67 bits−1 Hz−1 is demonstrated, with an aggregate total transmission capacity of 640 Gbit s−1 using five channels in the O‐band. Apart from the QD active region growth, the overall fabrication is essentially identical to the commercial process for quantum well (QW) DFB lasers. This provides a process‐compatible path for QD technology into commercial applications previously filled by QW devices. In addition, the capability to grow laser epi across entire CMOS‐compatible (001) Si wafers adds extra benefits of reduced cost, improved heat dissipation, and manufacturing scalability. Through direct epitaxial integration of III–Vs and Si, one can envision a revolution of the photonics industry in the same way that CMOS design and processing revolutionize the microelectronics industry. This is discussed from a system perspective for on‐chip optical interconnects.
Line Singularities and Hopf Indices of Electromagnetic Multipoles
Authors: Chen Weijin , Chen Yuntian , Liu Wei
Published: June 2020

Electromagnetic multipoles serve as one of the most ubiquitous languages in photonics, forming a complete expansion basis for radiations of arbitrary types. Electromagnetic multipoles from the perspective of line fields and singularities are explored. It is then discovered that, for arbitrary finite sources in a homogeneous background, there have to be isolated directions along which the radiation is either zero or circularly polarized. For such singular directions, half‐integer Hopf indices can be assigned and the index sum has to be a global invariant of 2. With this topological insight, the hidden dimensions of radiative circularly polarized Bloch modes of photonic crystal slabs are unveiled, revealing their topological origins of line singularities and indices. This work has established subtle connections between three seemingly unrelated but sweeping physical entities (line singularities of Hopf indices, electromagnetic multipoles, and Bloch modes), which can nourish new frames of visions and applications fertilizing many related fields.
Glutathione S‐Transferase T1 Mismatch Is a Risk Factor for Chronic Ductopenic Rejection of Liver Allografts
Authors: Sousa Jose Manuel , Barrera Lydia , Gomez‐Bravo Miguel Angel , Nuñez‐Roldan Antonio , Aguilera Isabel
Published: June 2020

The underlying causes of chronic rejection (CR) after liver transplantation (LT) are not completely known. The main aim of this study was to explore the involvement of the minor histocompatibility antigen glutathione S‐transferase T1 (GSTT1) in CR. We retrospectively studied 611 patients who underwent LTs at University Hospital Virgen del Rocío between 2003 and 2016 with a median follow‐up of 7.4 ± 4.2 years. The GSTT1 genotype was determined by polymerase chain reaction. We defined GSTT1 mismatch as a specific donor/recipient combination in which a recipient who was homozygous for the deletion allele received a transplant from a positive donor. The prevalence of CR in our whole cohort was 11.6% (71/611), and the prevalence in the GSTT1‐mismatched group was 18.8% (16/85) versus 10.5% (55/526) in the GSTT1‐matched group. In the cyclosporine A (CsA) group, the prevalence was 26.3% (26/99), much higher than the 8.8% (45/512) observed in the tacrolimus (Tac) group. For statistical analysis, the patients were distributed into 2 groups: group 1, regarded as GSTT1 mismatched, which included the donor (D)+/recipient (R)− allelic combination; and group 2, regarded as GSTT1 matched, which included the other allelic combinations of D+/R+, D−/R−, and D−/R+. All relevant clinical information was collected, and a diagnosis of CR was always confirmed by liver biopsy. GSTT1 mismatch (hazard ratio [HR], 1.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08‐3.66; P = 0.03) and use of CsA/Tac (P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for CR. CR increased the risk of mortality (HR, 2; 95% CI, 1.2‐3.6; P = 0.01). Out of the 71 CR patients, 12 (16.9%) needed retransplantation. In conclusion, the GSTT1 D+/R− allelic mismatch is an independent risk factor for CR. A long follow‐up of LT patients is recommended because the incidence of CR in adults seems to be underestimated.
Complementary EIS/FTIR study of the degradation of adhesives in electronic packaging
Authors: Schneider Michael , Gierth Uta , Simunkova Lenka , Gierth Paul , Rebenklau Lars
Published: June 2020

Adhesives are widely used in electronic packaging and are of vital importance in the reliability of electronic systems. A deep understanding of the degradation mechanism of adhesives under corrosion load plays a key role in lifetime prediction. Unfortunately, most of the common reliability tests are destructive. The present approach combines the nondestructive methods, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and the Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, as powerful tools in a complementary manner to describe the degradation mechanism and kinetics of two epoxy‐based adhesives, which are commonly used in electronic packaging. It is demonstrated that the application quality is the dominating impact on the optimization of the lifetime.
A Case of Autosomal Dominant Ataxia with Vocal Cord Palsy Attributed to a Mutation in the PRNP Gene
Authors: Kukkle Prashanth L. , Geetha Thenral S. , Mahadevan Anita , Ramprasad Vedam L.
Published: June 2020

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Clinical study and some molecular features of Mexican patients with syndromic craniosynostosis
Authors: Ibarra‐Arce Aurora , Almaraz‐Salinas Manuel , Martínez‐Rosas Víctor , Ortiz de Zárate‐Alarcón Gabriela , Flores‐Peña Laura , Romero‐Valdovinos Mirza , Olivo‐Díaz Angélica
Published: June 2020

Background

Craniosynostosis is one of the major genetic disorders affecting 1 in 2,100–2,500 live newborn children. Environmental and genetic factors are involved in the manifestation of this disease. The suggested genetic causes of craniosynostosis are pathogenic variants in FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3, and TWIST1 genes.

Methods

In order to describe their major clinical characteristics and the presence of pathogenic variants, a sample of 36 Mexican patients with craniosynostosis diagnosed as: Crouzon (OMIM 123,500), Pfeiffer (OMIM 101,600), Apert (OMIM 101,200), Saethre‐Chotzen (OMIM 101,400), and Muenke (OMIM 602,849) was analyzed.

Results

In addition to craniosynostosis, most of the patients presented hypertelorism, midface hypoplasia, and abnormalities in hands and feet. To detect the pathogenic variants p.Pro252Arg FGFR1 (OMIM 136,350), p.Ser252Trp, p.Pro253Arg FGFR2 (OMIM 176,943), p.Pro250Arg, FGFR3 (OMIM 134,934), and p.Gln119Pro TWIST1 (OMIM 601,622), PCR amplification and restriction enzyme digestion were performed. Four and two patients with Apert presented the pathogenic variants p.Ser252Trp and p.Pro253Arg in FGFR2, respectively (with a frequency of 11.1% and 5.5%). The p.Pro250Arg pathogenic variant of FGFR3 was found in a patient with Muenke (with a frequency of 2.8%). The above percentages were calculated with the total number of patients.

Conclusion

The contribution of this work is discreet, since only 4 genes were analyzed and sample size is small. However, this strategy could be improved by sequencing the FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3, and TWIST1 genes, to determine different pathogenic variants. On the other hand, it would be important to include other genes, such as TCF12 (OMIM 600,480), MSX2 (OMIM 123,101), RAB23 (OMIM 606,144), and EFNB1 (OMIM 300,035), to determine their participation in craniosynostosis in the Mexican population.
In Silico Analysis of FDA Drugs as P2X4 Modulators for the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Reyes‐Espinosa Francisco , Nieto‐Pescador María G. , Bocanegra‐García Virgilio , Lozano‐Guzmán Eduardo , Rivera Gildardo
Published: June 2020

Recent studies have shown the potential application of ivermectins in the treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Ivermectin is a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of P2X4R and this molecule exerts its action in the transmembrane region (known as the TM region) of trimeric channel structure (the pocket formed by Asp331, Met336, Trp46, Trp50, and Tyr42). The aim of this study is to identify FDA drugs with potential PAM properties, by exploring the P2X4Rs from four organisms (Danio rerio, Mus musculus, Rattus norvegicus, and Homo sapiens). The in silico study consists of carrying out the molecular docking of 1656 FDA‐approved drugs on the structure of P2X4R, using the commercially available compounds from the ZINC15 database for virtual screening. To strengthen the reliability of the results, two docking protocols were used involving the use of two programs, Autodock 4.2 and Autodock Vina. Nine FDA drugs with potential PAM properties were identified. In addition, eight molecules with potential negative allosteric modulator (NAM) action, and 13 molecules with potential allosteric modulator (AM) action were identified. The FDA drugs identified in this study with PAM, NAM, and AM action, shared in the P2X4Rs of the four organisms, can provide a guideline to proceed with research concerning new drugs for the study and treatment of AUD.
A class of large solution of 2D tropical climate model without thermal diffusion
Authors: Li Jinlu , Yu Yanghai
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we consider the Cauchy problem of 2D tropical climate model without thermal diffusion and construct global smooth solutions by choosing a class of special initial data whose L∞ norm can be arbitrarily large.
Stepped‐impedanceslottedmicrostrip‐fedpatch antenna foron‐metal radio frequency identificationapplications
Authors: Deif Samier , Olokede Seyi S. , Nosrati Mehdi , Daneshmand Mojgan
Published: June 2020

The paper reports the bandwidth enhancement of a microstrip slot antenna for on‐metal RFID applications. Microstrip patch with a single conductive layer as wideband and conformal antenna is investigated. The proposed bandwidth enhancement is based on stepped‐impedance slot resonator integrated with an inset‐fed microstrip patch. Slots of different electrical lengths and impedances are configured to generate their respective and distinct resonances, and are subsequently overlapped to create wideband. Equivalent circuit modeling to characterize the antenna in terms of electrical lengths and impedances with respect to their resonances are investigated and reported. These resonances are optimized to overlap using certain numerical equations and the commercially available 2D/3D EM solvers. The resulting antenna is thereafter stamped on the external coating of the pipeline of an RFID specific application for signal monitoring and pipeline integrity.
Primary cancer location predicts predominant level of brachial plexopathy
Authors: McNeish Brendan L. , Zheutlin Alexander R. , Richardson James K. , Smith Sean R.
Published: June 2020

Background

Changes in radiation therapy practice and cancer incidence bring into question prior evidence suggesting that radiation therapy predominantly injures the brachial plexus upper trunk, while tumor invasion typically injures the lower trunk.

Methods

We reviewed electrodiagnostic brachial plexopathy reports in cancer survivors for predominant trunk involvement, injury mechanism (tumor invasion vs radiation), and primary cancer location.

Results

Fifty‐six cases of cancer‐associated brachial plexopathy were identified. There was no relationship between injury mechanism and brachial plexus injury level. However, primary cancer location superior/inferior to the clavicle increased the odds of predominantly upper/lower trunk involvement by a factor of 60.0 (95% confidence interval: 7.9, 1401, respectively).

Conclusions

Cancers superior/inferior to the clavicle increase the likelihood of predominantly upper/lower trunk plexopathy, respectively, regardless plexus injury mechanism. These findings contrast with older work, possibly due to more precise radiation therapy techniques and increased incidence of radiosensitive head and neck cancers.
Abnormal Regional Neural Activity and Reorganized Neural Network in Obesity: Evidence from Resting‐State fMRI
Authors: Zhang Peng , Wu Guo‐wei , Yu Feng‐xia , Liu Yang , Li Meng‐yi , Wang Zheng , Ding He‐yu , Li Xiao‐shuai , Wang Hao , Jin Mei , Zhang Zheng‐yu , Zhao Peng‐fei , Li Jing , Yang Zheng‐han , Lv Han , Zhang Zhong‐tao , Wang Zhen‐chang
Published: June 2020

Objective

This study aimed to investigate regional neural activity and regulation of patterns in the reorganized neural network of obesity and explore the correlation between brain activities and eating behavior.

Methods

A total of 23 individuals with obesity and 23 controls with normal weight were enrolled. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data were acquired using 3.0‐T MRI. Amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation and functional connectivity (FC) analyses were conducted using Data Processing Assistant for resting‐state fMRI and Resting‐State fMRI Data Analysis Toolkit (REST).

Results

The group with obesity showed increased amplitude of low‐frequency values in left fusiform gyrus/amygdala, inferior temporal gyrus (ITG), hippocampus/parahippocampal gyrus, and bilateral caudate but decreased values in right superior temporal gyrus. The group with obesity showed increased FC between left caudate and right superior temporal gyrus, left fusiform gyrus/amygdala and left ITG, right caudate and left fusiform gyrus/amygdala, and right caudate and left hippocampus/parahippocampal gyrus. Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire‐Emotional scores were positively correlated with FC between left hippocampus/parahippocampal gyrus and right caudate but negatively correlated with FC between left fusiform gyrus/amygdala and left ITG.

Conclusions

The study indicated the reorganized neural network presented as a bilateral cross‐regulation pattern across hemispheres between reward and various appetite‐related functional processing, thus affecting emotional and external eating behavior. These results could provide further evidence for neuropsychological underpinnings of food intake and their neuromodulatory therapeutic potential in obesity.
Evaluation of interfacial compatibility in wood flour/polypropylene composites by using dynamic thermomechanical analysis
Authors: Xiao Feng , Zhu Lizhi , Yu Lili
Published: June 2020

Wood‐plastic composites (WPCs) manufactured from tomentose wood flour and polypropylene (PP) was studied in this article. The interfacial compatibility before and after the addition of the coupling agent was evaluated by dynamic thermodynamic analysis, Fourier transforms infrared (FT‐IR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The effects of the coupling agent on the interfacial compatibility of WPCs were studied. The results indicated that the bending properties of the composite material after adding the coupling agent are greater than that without the coupling agent. And WPCs have the best performance when the coupling agent is added at 2%. The storage modulus E' of the composite material decreases with the increase in temperature and increases with the increase of frequency. At high frequencies, the composite has higher structural stability. After the coupling agent is added, the storage modulus E' significantly improved, and the interface bonding strength has increased accordingly. After the coupling agent is added, the apparent activation energy and the glass transition temperature of the composite material increase during the relaxation process.
The effect of core geometry on flexural stiffness and transverse shear rigidity of weight‐wise identical corrugated core sandwich panels reinforced with 3D flat spacer knitted fabric
Authors: Abedzade Atar Hamid , Zarrebini Mohammad , Hasani Hossein , Rezaeepazhand Jalil
Published: June 2020

This article aims to evaluate the effect of core geometry on flexural stiffness and transverse shear rigidity of corrugated core sandwich panels both experimentally and numerically. Using vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) method, three composite sandwich panels reinforced with 3D weft knitted spacer fabric with rectangular, hat‐type (trapezoidal) and triangular cross‐sectional geometries were produced. In order to eliminate weight variation among the produced sandwich panel samples, the unit cell dimensions, core wall to skin angle, and the yarn count used to knit the core wall were carefully chosen. Results pointed to existence of statistically significant difference between the load‐carrying capacity and transverse shear rigidity in the direction of corrugation of the structures. It was concluded that triangular and rectangular structures have the highest and lowest load‐carrying capacity, transverse shear rigidity, and core shear modulus in the direction of corrugation, respectively.
Mechanical, thermal, and micro‐ and nanostructural properties of polyvinyl chloride/graphene nanoplatelets nanocomposites
Authors: Mindivan Ferda , Göktaş Meryem , Dike Ali S.
Published: June 2020

This article describes micro‐ and nanostructural, mechanical, and thermal properties of nanocomposites based on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP). The primary objective of this study was to extend restricted application area of PVC due to its low thermal stability and limited mechanical properties. GNP‐filled PVC nanocomposites were prepared (0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 1.0 wt%) by colloidal blending method and characterized in detail. The highest value of the tensile strength 13.73 MPa (an increase of 58%) and the highest value of microhardness 83.42 MPa (an increase of 82%) were obtained with GNP loading content of 0.5 wt% compared neat PVC. The mechanical properties started to decrease at loading higher than 0.5 wt%; however, the thermal properties continued to increase. The differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared analysis results of this nanocomposite confirmed that the increase in glass transition temperature from 34.99°C to 44.36°C and the decrease in the height of functional groups peaks proved to prevented segmental relaxation and intermolecular vibrations of PVC, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis results were showed that the percentage of carbonaceous residue increased to 15.77% by increasing the GNP content from 0.1 to 0.5 wt%. As a result, the best GNP loading was at 0.5 wt% for PVC/GNP nanocomposites where mechanical and thermal properties of PVC/GNP were both enhanced.
ProTrack: An Interactive Multi‐Omics Data Browser for Proteogenomic Studies
Authors: Calinawan Anna Pamela , Song Xiaoyu , Ji Jiayi , Dhanasekaran Saravana Mohan , Petralia Francesca , Wang Pei , Reva Boris
Published: June 2020

The Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC) initiative has generated extensive multi‐omics data resources of deep proteogenomic profiles for multiple cancer types. To enable the broader community of biological and medical researchers to intuitively query, explore, and download data and analysis results from various CPTAC projects, a prototype user‐friendly web application called “ProTrack” is built with the CPTAC clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) data set (http://ccrcc.cptac-data-view.org). Here the salient features of this application which provides a dynamic, comprehensive, and granular visualization of the rich proteogenomic data is described.
Particles with Magnetic Patches: Synthesis, Morphology Control, and Assembly
Authors: Yammine Elham , Souaid Eddy , Youssef Sami , Abboud Maher , Mornet Stéphane , Nakhl Michel , Duguet Etienne
Published: June 2020

The concept of patchy particles is revolutionizing the research field of colloidal assembly, by the design of particles whose surface is purposely patterned to promote attractive interactions with their neighbors in limited number, and in privileged and programmed directions. The idea of magnetic patches makes it possible to imagine assemblies not only spontaneous by simple magnetic coupling but also triggered and canceled at will due to external magnetic fields. This review shows that studies published until now mainly deal with particles with a single magnetic patch, often called Janus particles. The very diverse synthetic routes have been brought together into four main strategies, covering the size range from 100 nm to 100 µm. Their assembly capacity is described both from experimental and simulation viewpoints. The orientation of the magnetic moment of the patch and its decentering extent with respect to the particle are the key parameters for controlling the morphology of clusters, loops, staggered chains, double chains, helices, microtubes, etc. The review offers some perspectives to generalize these studies to multipatch particles, examples of which are still too rare, and to make assemblies sustainable, especially after the removal of the structuring magnetic fields.
Weaning from noninvasive ventilation and high flow nasal cannula in bronchiolitis: A survey of practice
Authors: Suzanne Marie , Amaddeo Alessandro , Pin Isabelle , Milési Christophe , Mortamet Guillaume
Published: June 2020

Rational

This study aims to describe the current weaning practices from any type of noninvasive support in infants with bronchiolitis, in terms of weaning procedures, weaning initiation and weaning failure criteria.

Working Hypothesis

No information regarding the weaning practices is currently available and there may be a wide variability of strategies.

Study Design

A cross‐sectional electronic survey.

Methodology

The survey was distributed to physicians from five French‐speaking countries with key roles in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs).

Results

Responses were obtained from 29 PICUs from five French‐speaking countries. A written weaning protocol was available in three pediatric centers (10%) and nurses had a key role in the weaning process in 72% of centers. The sudden weaning was the most commonly used procedure, no matter the type of noninvasive ventilatory (NIV) support. The most commonly used criteria for weaning initiation and weaning failure were the degree of respiratory distress, the occurrence of apneas and the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2). The thresholds commonly used for weaning initiation criteria were (a) none or a slight use of accessory muscles; (b) FiO2 less than equal to 40%, (c) respiratory rate less than 60 per minute, (d) no apnea, (e) blood pH more than 7.30, and (f) partial pressure of venous carbon dioxide less than equal to 50 mm Hg.

Conclusion

In infants with bronchiolitis requiring NIV support, the sudden weaning procedure was the most commonly used strategy. We observed a certain consensus on criteria for weaning initiation. These findings should help in building nurse‐driven weaning protocols, but prospective studies remain needed to assess the best weaning strategy in infants with bronchiolitis‐related acute respiratory failure.
Predictions of Systemic, Intracellular, and Lung Concentrations of Azithromycin With Different Dosing Regimens Used in COVID‐19 Clinical Trials
Authors: Hughes Jim H. , Sweeney Kevin , Ahadieh Sima , Ouellet Daniele
Published: June 2020

Azithromycin (AZ), a broad‐spectrum macrolide antibiotic, is being investigated in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). A population pharmacokinetic model was implemented to predict lung, intracellular poly/mononuclear cell (peripheral blood monocyte (PBM)/polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PML)), and alveolar macrophage (AM) concentrations using published data and compared against preclinical effective concentration 90% (EC90) for severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). The final model described the data reported in eight publications adequately. Consistent with its known properties, concentrations were higher in AM and PBM/PML, followed by lung tissue, and lowest systemically. Simulated PBM/PML concentrations exceeded EC90following the first dose and for ~ 14 days following 500 mg q.d. for 3 days or 500 mg q.d. for 1 day/250 mg q.d. on days 2–5, 10 days following a single 1,000 mg dose, and for > 20 days with 500 mg q.d. for 10 days. AM concentrations exceeded the 90% inhibitory concentration for > 20 days for all regimens. These data will better inform optimization of dosing regimens for AZ clinical trials.
Effect of Nigella sativa oil supplement on risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kooshki Akram , Tofighiyan Tahereh , Rastgoo Neda , Rakhshani Mohammad Hassan , Miri Mohammad
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Nigella sativa oil on serum level of systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This double‐blind randomized clinical trial study was based on 50 patients with T2DM. Patients were allocated randomly to either N. sativa oil or placebo groups. The intervention group received 1,000 mg N. sativa oil as two capsules, daily for 8 weeks, whereas the placebo group received a corresponding placebo. At baseline and the end of the study, 5 ml blood was collected from each patient after 14‐hour fasting for measuring serum C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), malondialdehyde (MDA), FBS, and lipid profile. Analyses covariance was performed to compare investigated parameters between two groups, controlled for relevant covariates. Using N. sativa supplement was significantly associated with decrease in FBS (p < .001), triglyceride (p < .001), total cholesterol (p < .001), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < .001), serum hs‐CRP, MDA (p < .001) and increase in serum level of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < .001) in intervention group compared with placebo group. Nigella sativa oil supplement has cardiovascular protective effects in patients with T2DM, by improving the lipid profile and glycemia, by reducing the C‐reactive protein level and the lipid peroxidation.
Biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in people witha physical disability treated with a standardized extract ofNasturtium officinale: A randomized, double‐blind, and placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Clemente Mirna , Miguel Marilis D , Felipe Karina B , Gribner Caroline , F Moura Paula , R Rigoni Ana Angelica , B Parisotto Eduardo , T Piltz Marina , Valdameri Glaucio , Henneberg Railson , B Schonhofen Christian , S Carvalho João Luiz , Fernandes Luiz Claudio , G Miguel Obdúlio
Published: June 2020

It is well established that plants from the Brassicaceae family, particularly watercress, have been associated to reduce oxidative DNA damage. Nasturtium officinale R. Br (watercress) contains glucosinolates, with anti‐inflammatory action and protective effect on human health against oxidative stress. We aimed to evaluate whether the standardized extract of Nasturtium officinale (SENO) is capable of changing biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in people with physical disabilities. 65 people enrolled this study: as a control group composed by; 15 people with no physical disability assessed once, 25 people with physical disabilities using 750 mg/kg/day of SENO, and 25 people with physical disabilities using 750 mg/kg/day of placebo‐control for 5 weeks. Biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation were analyzed on day 0 and 36. The results indicated that SENO was associated with decreasing levels of lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and C‐reactive protein. Furthermore, the cytokine kit demonstrated below and out of invertible range, which was impossible to detect the inflammatory process. Despite the cytokine kit was not able to detect the inflammation; these data might provide supportive evidence that SENO, have affected positively people with physical disabilities decreasing their biomarkers of oxidative stress and C‐reactive protein. Further studies are required.
Innovative focused ultrasound‐based sealing method of flexible packaging films—Principles and characteristics
Authors: Koo Sin Lin Coralie , Oehm Lukas , Majschak Jens‐Peter
Published: June 2020

A key process to package goods is the closure procedure. It ensures the good protection against the environment and vice versa. Ultrasonic sealing presents the advantage of converting locally ultrasound into heat, which is optimal for temperature sensitive goods. The disadvantages remain, however, the equipment cost, the noise generation, and the process sensitivity to materials. It is necessary to develop a sealing process to decrease the acquisition cost of the sealing equipment and cover a wide range of polymer films.

This paper focuses on a new sealing method based on high‐intensity focused ultrasound. The principles and characteristics of this process are discussed and underpinned with experimental results.

Both the acoustic and thermal effects of the sealing process are summarized. A study of the process parameter impact on the seam strength in static and dynamic operating is proposed. Low‐density polyethylene films with a carrier layer of bi‐oriented polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate are used. A first test bench generates point‐shaped seam. The heat generation is recorded with an infrared thermography system. A second test bench, a horizontal form fill and seal machine, produces longitudinal seams. The seam quality is controlled by tensile test and tightness test.

A quick heating of the polymer films is found. Point seams and longitudinal seams are successfully generated. The seams behave similarly to the ones generated with ultrasonic sealing process. However, the sealing velocity is limited to 3 m/min.

This work provides a summary of the characteristics and principles of the new sealing method in packaging applications.
Intraoperative surgery room management: A deep learning perspective
Authors: Tanzi Leonardo , Piazzolla Pietro , Vezzetti Enrico
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The current study aimed to systematically review the literature addressing the use of deep learning (DL) methods in intraoperative surgery applications, focusing on the data collection, the objectives of these tools and, more technically, the DL‐based paradigms utilized.

Methods

A literature search with classic databases was performed: we identified, with the use of specific keywords, a total of 996 papers. Among them, we selected 52 for effective analysis, focusing on articles published after January 2015.

Results

The preliminary results of the implementation of DL in clinical setting are encouraging. Almost all the surgery sub‐fields have seen the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) applications and the results outperformed the previous techniques in the majority of the cases. From these results, a conceptualization of an intelligent operating room (IOR) is also presented.

Conclusion

This evaluation outlined how AI and, in particular, DL are revolutionizing the surgery field, with numerous applications, such as context detection and room management. This process is evolving years by years into the realization of an IOR, equipped with technologies perfectly suited to drastically improve the surgical workflow.
Examining micro‐change within and among science teachers' identities: A multiple case study
Authors: Hathcock Stephanie J. , Garner Joanna K. , Kaplan Avi
Published: June 2020

Whereas science teachers often express initial enthusiasm about the student‐centered, reform‐oriented instructional strategies they encounter in professional development (PD), they rarely adopt them in practice. One possible obstacle is a mismatch between these strategies and teachers' beliefs about what is possible and desirable in their particular teaching contexts. In the current study, we investigated changes in teachers' beliefs about practices within a PD context, and consider beliefs about practice as one component within teachers' overall professional role identity. Using the Dynamic Systems Model of Role Identity (DSMRI) as our theoretical framework, we analyzed pre‐PD, mid‐PD, and post‐PD interviews, daily written reflections, and responses to exploration and commitment prompts of four high school science teacher participants in an 8‐day, reform‐oriented summer institute. Teachers' experiences, changes in the content, structure and process of various components of their professional role identities, and their eventual endorsement or resistance to new practices, were framed by the dynamic interplay between their current science teacher role identity and other role identities. When discussing possibilities for action in subsequent teaching practices, alignment, and tensions within and between these role identities promoted or impeded changes in behavioral intentions. The findings highlight the importance of considering prior and current role identities when designing and evaluating PD contexts, and the complex and contextual nature of identity change among teachers.
A Bayesian multivariate meta‐analysis of prevalence data
Authors: Siegel Lianne , Rudser Kyle , Sutcliffe Siobhan , Markland Alayne , Brubaker Linda , Gahagan Sheila , Stapleton Ann E. , Chu Haitao
Published: June 2020

When conducting a meta‐analysis involving prevalence data for an outcome with several subtypes, each of them is typically analyzed separately using a univariate meta‐analysis model. Recently, multivariate meta‐analysis models have been shown to correspond to a decrease in bias and variance for multiple correlated outcomes compared with univariate meta‐analysis, when some studies only report a subset of the outcomes. In this article, we propose a novel Bayesian multivariate random effects model to account for the natural constraint that the prevalence of any given subtype cannot be larger than that of the overall prevalence. Extensive simulation studies show that this new model can reduce bias and variance when estimating subtype prevalences in the presence of missing data, compared with standard univariate and multivariate random effects models. The data from a rapid review on occupation and lower urinary tract symptoms by the Prevention of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Research Consortium are analyzed as a case study to estimate the prevalence of urinary incontinence and several incontinence subtypes among women in suspected high risk work environments.
Artificial Biosystems by Printing Biology
Authors: Arrabito Giuseppe , Ferrara Vittorio , Bonasera Aurelio , Pignataro Bruno
Published: June 2020

The continuous progress of printing technologies over the past 20 years has fueled the development of a plethora of applications in materials sciences, flexible electronics, and biotechnologies. More recently, printing methodologies have started up to explore the world of Artificial Biology, offering new paradigms in the direct assembly of Artificial Biosystems (small condensates, compartments, networks, tissues, and organs) by mimicking the result of the evolution of living systems and also by redesigning natural biological systems, taking inspiration from them. This recent progress is reported in terms of a new field here defined as Printing Biology, resulting from the intersection between the field of printing and the bottom up Synthetic Biology. Printing Biology explores new approaches for the reconfigurable assembly of designed life‐like or life‐inspired structures. This work presents this emerging field, highlighting its main features, i.e., printing methodologies (from 2D to 3D), molecular ink properties, deposition mechanisms, and finally the applications and future challenges. Printing Biology is expected to show a growing impact on the development of biotechnology and life‐inspired fabrication.