bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regeneration and development. An amphibian call to arms
Authors: Khan Paul A. , Crawford Michael J.
Published: November 2020

Background

Unlike axolotls, the urodele Notophthalmus viridescens completes two metamorphoses and emerges from its aquatic environment to mate as a fully terrestrial adult. Larval and adult limb regeneration are commonly treated as roughly equivalent processes and, at least in part, as a recapitulation of embryonic development.

Results

We compared larval limb development to regeneration of both larval and adult forelimbs and found that there are substantial differences in developmental pattern among larvae and adults. The larval pattern of preaxial dominance is absent in adult regenerates: adult regenerates instead develop digits synchronously, and they do so before proximal autopodial elements have formed discrete aggregation zones. By contrast, larval regenerates follow a pattern of sequential digit formation from anterior to posterior, like their embryonic limb buds.

Conclusions

Based upon these morphological clues, we conclude that larval regenerates are unlikely to exhibit features of epimorphic regeneration seen in adults, but are more likely to represent a form of developmental regulation. Furthermore, we confirm that post‐metamorphic limb regeneration is not a simple recapitulation of ontology at the morphological level. These distinctions may help to explain and interpret some experiments and observations of regeneration in neotenic or paedomorphic urodeles.
Increased microclimatic variation in artificial nests does not create ecological traps for a secondary cavity breeder, the European roller
Authors: Schwartz Timothée , Genouville Arnaud , Besnard Aurélien
Published: November 2020

Artificial devices are increasingly used in conservation measures to mitigate the disappearance of natural habitats. However, few studies have demonstrated their benefits for the target species, and they may pose a risk of creating ecological traps. This occurs when lower individual fitness is found in artificial habitats that are more attractive than their natural equivalents. In this study, we tested the ecological trap hypothesis on a dense population of European rollers Coracias garrulus breeding in both natural cavities and nest boxes. Our initial prediction was that the more stressful microclimatic conditions of nest boxes would lead to reduced fitness of European rollers, thus creating an ecological trap. The results showed that nest boxes were preferred over natural cavities. Despite significantly more extreme microclimatic conditions in nest boxes, we found similar breeding parameters between artificial and natural nest types. Our results also suggest that European rollers selected the nest boxes which best buffered the temperature, thus avoiding potential ecological traps. Overall our results led to the conclusion that nest boxes do not create ecological traps for European rollers in this study area. However, other species may be more sensitive to microclimatic variations or less able to avoid the least favorable nest boxes. These findings could help to inform the placement of nest boxes in order to reduce extreme temperatures and variation in humidity rates. Future studies could compare nest types for other fitness parameters, such as juvenile body condition or survival. We also recommend the ecological trap hypothesis as a useful framework to evaluate the outcomes of artificial devices used for conservation.
Impact of residual inflammation on myocardial recovery and cardiovascular outcome in Takotsubo patients
Authors: Lachmet‐Thebaud Lucie , Marchandot Benjamin , Matsushita Kensuke , Sato Chisato , Dagrenat Charlotte , Greciano Stephane , De Poli Fabien , Leddet Pierre , Peillex Marilou , Hess Sébastien , Carmona Adrien , Jimenez Charline , Heger Joe , Reydel Antje , Ohlmann Patrick , Jesel Laurence , Morel Olivier
Published: November 2020

Aims

Recent insights have emphasized the importance of myocardial and systemic inflammation in Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). In a large registry of unselected patients, we sought to evaluate whether residual high inflammatory response (RHIR) could impact cardiovascular outcome after TTS.

Methods and results

Patients with TTS were retrospectively included between 2008 and 2018 in three general hospitals. Three hundred eighty‐five patients with TTS were split into three subgroups, according to tertiles of C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels at discharge (CRP <5.2 mg/L, CRP range 5.2 to 19 mg/L, and CRP >19 mg/L). The primary endpoint was the impact of RHIR, defined as CRP >19 mg/L at discharge, on cardiac death or hospitalization for heart failure.

Follow up was obtained in 382 patients (99%) after a median of 747 days. RHIR patients were more likely to have a history of cancer or a physical trigger. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at admission and at discharge were comparable between groups. By contrast, RHIR was associated with lower LVEF at follow up (61.7% vs. 60.7% vs. 57.9%; P = 0.004) and increased cardiac late mortality (0% vs. 0% vs. 10%; P = 0.001). By multivariate Cox regression analysis, RHIR was an independent predictor of cardiac death or hospitalization for heart failure (hazard ratio: 1.87; 95% confidence interval: 1.08 to 3.25; P = 0.025).

Conclusions

Residual high inflammatory response was associated with impaired LVEF at follow up and was evidenced as an independent factor of cardiovascular events. All together, these findings underline RHIR patients as a high‐risk subgroup, to target in future clinical trials with specific therapies to attenuate RHIR.
Aortic valve replacement: validation of the Toronto Aortic Stenosis Quality of Life Questionnaire
Authors: Frank Derk , Kennon Simon , Bonaros Nikolaos , Stastny Lukas , Romano Mauro , Lefèvre Thierry , Di Mario Carlo , Stefàno Pierluigi , Ribichini Flavio , Himbert Dominique , Urena‐Alcazar Marina , Salgado‐Fernandez Jorge , Castillo Jose Joaquin Cuenca , Garcia del Blanco Bruno , Deutsch Cornelia , Sykorova Lenka , Kurucova Jana , Thoenes Martin , Lüske Claudia M. , Bramlage Peter , Styra Rima
Published: November 2020

Aims

There is no quality of life tool specifically developed for patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) to assess how this chronic condition and its treatment affect patients. The Toronto Aortic Stenosis Quality of Life Questionnaire (TASQ) has been developed to overcome this gap. The results of the validation of the TASQ in patients undergoing treatment for severe AS are presented.

Methods and results

Prospective study at 10 centres in Europe and Canada, which enrolled 274 patients with severe symptomatic AS undergoing surgical or transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Mean TASQ score at baseline was 71.2 points and increased to 88.9 three months after aortic valve implantation (P < 0.001). Increases were seen for the emotional impact (32.0 to 39.0; P < 0.001), physical limitations (14.8 to 22.0; P < 0.001), and physical symptoms (8.5 vs. 11.0; P < 0.001) domains. Internal consistency was good/excellent for overall TASQ score (α = 0.891) and for the physical limitation, emotional impact, and social limitation domains (α = 0.815–0.950). Test–retest reliability was excellent or strong for the overall TASQ (intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.883) and for the physical symptoms, physical limitation, emotional impact, and social limitation domains (intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.791–0.895). Responsiveness was medium overall (Cohen's d = 0.637) and medium/large for physical symptoms, emotional impact, and physical limitations (0.661–0.812). Sensitivity to change was significant for physical symptoms, physical limitations (both P < 0.001), emotional impact (P = 0.003), and social limitations (P = 0.038).

Conclusions

The TASQ is a new, brief, self‐administered, and clinically relevant health‐specific tool to measure changes in quality of life in patients with AS undergoing an intervention.
Implication of inhaled nitric oxide for the treatment of critically ill COVID‐19 patients with pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Feng Wen‐Xia , Yang Yang , Wen Junmin , Liu Ying‐Xia , Liu Lei , Feng Cheng
Published: November 2020

Aims

This study aims to analyse whether inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) was beneficial in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients with pulmonary hypertension.

Methods and results

Five critically ill COVID‐19 patients with pulmonary hypertension designated Cases 1–5 were retrospectively included. Clinical data before and after iNO treatment were serially collected and compared between patients with or without iNO treatment. The five cases experienced pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) elevation (≥50 mmHg) at 30, 24, 33, 23, and 24 days after illness onset (d.a.o), respectively. Cases 1–3 received iNO treatment on the 24th, 13th, and 1st day after the first elevation of PASP, with concentrations varied from 10 to 20 ppm based on the changes of PASP and blood pressure for 10, 9, and 5 days, respectively. Upon iNO treatment, PASP of Cases 1 and 2 returned to normal on the 10th day and 1st day, and maintained between 50 and 58 mmHg in Case 3. Pa02/Fi02 increased from 88 to 124, 51 to 118, and 146 to 244, respectively. SPO2 increased from 91% to 97% for Case 1 and maintained a high level above 97% for Case 2. Cardiac function remained normal in the three patients after treatment. Moreover, Cases 1 and 3 survived from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, while Case 2 finally died on the 36th day after the first elevation of PASP due to severe complications. Both cases who did not receive iNO treatment experienced a sudden decrease of PASP and Pa02/Fi02 due to right heart failure and then died.

Conclusions

Inhaled nitric oxide treatment was beneficial in reducing and stabilizing the PASP and might also reduce the risk of right heart failure in COVID‐19 with pulmonary hypertension.
Binary Metal Oxide Adsorbed Graphene Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode for Detection of Riboflavin
Authors: Grace Arockiajawahar Anancia , Thillaiarasi Sukumar , Dharuman Venkataraman
Published: November 2020

Tungsten oxide (W) decorated titanium oxide (T) adsorbed onto a graphene (Gr) and modified the glassy carbon electrode for the electrochemical quantification of riboflavin (RF) in edible food and pharmaceuticals. For comparison, nanocomposites are formed using graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and pure graphite (G) sheets to study the electrochemical activities towards riboflavin. The ternary WTGr modified GCE shows the highest electrocatalytic activity due to synergetic interactions between the metal oxide and graphene. The electrochemical observations are supported by the SEM, HRTEM, XRD, UV‐Vis, Zeta potential (ζ) and size data. The sensor shows a wide linear range 20 nM–2.5 μM with a detection limit 25.24 nM and sensitivity (4.249×10−8 A/nM). The fabricated sensor is validated in real samples.
Advanced modification of scandia‐stabilized zirconia electrolytes for solid oxide fuel cells application—A review
Authors: Zakaria Zulfirdaus , Kamarudin Siti Kartom
Published: November 2020

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are recognized as an energy generation device with high power density and energy conversion efficiency, low noise, low greenhouse gas emissions, positive environmental effect, and high fuel consumption versatility. Nevertheless, the high operating temperature of SOFCs has restricted the development in various applications due to challenges in material compatibility and working process. To address these issues, scandia‐stabilized zirconia (ScSZ) electrolytes are commonly utilized to explore its potentials as a solid electrolyte toward lowering the operating temperature due to high conductivity properties at low‐to‐intermediate temperature conditions. Thus, this paper provides an advanced modification of ScSZ electrolytes in SOFCs toward lowering the operating temperature. This review presents the potential properties and the progress modification of ScSZ electrolyte including challenges, and advances, summary, and future perspectives in the low‐to‐intermediate operating temperature of SOFCs. This review can serve as a first reference for identifying specific parameters and prospective studies to enhance the properties of ScSZ electrolytes for the application of SOFCs. Based on the literature review, there are no previous review works that have been published on the modification of ScSZ electrolytes.
Process optimization of spray‐dried Moldavian balm (Dracocephalum moldavica L.) extract powder
Authors: Rahmati Edris , Sharifian Faroogh , Fattahi Mohammad
Published: November 2020

The present study was aimed to develop the powder from Moldavian balm extract using a spray dryer to preserve the valuable phytochemicals such as hydroxycinnamic acid and flavonoids. In order to produce optimum Moldavian balm spray‐dried powder, response surface methodology was applied. The inlet air temperature (120–180°C), compressed airflow rate (5–10 L/min), and carriers’ concentration (10%–30%) were kept as independent variables, while moisture content, drying performance, porosity, total phenol content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity were selected as responses. The process was optimized with inlet air temperature of 140.36°C, compressed airflow rate of 9.13 L/min and carriers’ concentration of 18%, resulting in powder with moisture content of 7.68%, drying performance of 62.52%, porosity of 76.4%, total phenol content of 6.295 mg GAE/g, total flavonoid content of 0.378 mg QUE/g, and antioxidant activity of 51.78%. The optimized process led to attain the powder having significantly better phytochemical properties compared with others.
Patch‐wise brain age longitudinal reliability
Authors: Beheshti Iman , Potvin Olivier , Duchesne Simon
Published: November 2020

We recently introduced a patch‐wise technique to estimate brain age from anatomical T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (T1w MRI) data. Here, we sought to assess its longitudinal reliability by leveraging a unique dataset of 99 longitudinal MRI scans from a single, cognitively healthy volunteer acquired over a period of 17 years (aged 29–46 years) at multiple sites. We built a robust patch‐wise brain age estimation framework on the basis of 100 cognitively healthy individuals from the MindBoggle dataset (aged 19–61 years) using the Desikan‐Killiany‐Tourville atlas, then applied the model to the volunteer dataset. The results show a high prediction accuracy on the independent test set (R2 = .94, mean absolute error of 0.63 years) and no statistically significant difference between manufacturers, suggesting that the patch‐wise technique has high reliability and can be used for longitudinal multi‐centric studies.
Unravelling the hydrological effects on spatiotemporal variability of water chemistry in mountainous rivers from Southwest China
Authors: Zhong Jun , Chen Shuai , Wang Wanfa , Yan Zelong , Ellam Rob M. , Li Si‐Liang
Published: November 2020

Understanding the effects of hydrological processes on solute dynamics is critical to interpret biogeochemical processes. Water chemistry and isotopic compositions of surface water (δ18Ow and δDw) were investigated in rivers from Southwest China to study the effects of hydrological variability on biogeochemical processes. The inverse relationship between deuterium excess (d‐excess) and δ18Ow could be ascribed to non‐equilibrium fractionation processes, and the slope of the Local River Water Line was much lower than the Local Meteoric Water Line, suggesting the post‐precipitation evaporation pattern. The evaporation fraction (1–f) was estimated by the d‐excess method, varying from 0.01 to 0.18. (1–f), was a function of water temperature and drainage mean elevation, indicating that evaporation easily occurs at high temperatures in low‐elevation regions. The hydrological processes co‐varied with solute dynamics in the river network, and fluid transit time and temperature were likely responsible for the co‐variations. Also, we found that hydrological processes played an important role in solute dynamics through shifting the geochemical processes (e.g., enrichment, water‐rock reaction, photosynthesis, and secondary mineral precipitation). This study highlights that biogeochemical processes co‐vary with hydrological processes, and we suggest that investigating hydrological processes can help to understand biogeochemical processes.
Replicating stimulus‐presentation orders in discrimination training
Authors: Bergmann Samantha , Turner Maria , Kodak Tiffany , Grow Laura L. , Meyerhofer Courtney , Niland Haven S. , Edmonds Kaitlyn
Published: November 2020

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are taught conditional discriminations often during early intervention. Auditory–visual conditional discrimination (AVCD) training requires the presentation of multiple antecedent stimuli, and the order of stimulus presentation varies in the literature. This series of studies replicated previous literature on stimulus‐presentation order in AVCD training. In Experiment 1, we compared sample‐first and comparisons‐first arrangements in 8 comparisons with 4 participants with ASD. For 3 participants, both presentations were efficacious. For 1 participant, the sample‐first order was more likely to be efficacious. In Experiment 2, we added a sample‐first‐with‐repetition arrangement and conducted 6 comparisons with 5 participants with ASD. Across comparisons, all 3 presentations were efficacious. Considerations for teaching AVCD to children with ASD and suggestions for further evaluation and examination of efficacy and efficiency are discussed.
Optoacoustic monitoring of water content in tissue phantoms and human skin
Authors: Perkov Sergei A. , Gorin Dmitry A. , Esenaliev Rinat O.
Published: November 2020

Skin water content monitoring is important for diagnostics and management of edema, dehydration, and other skin conditions as well as for cosmetic applications. Because optoacoustic (OA) technique has high (optical) contrast and (ultrasound) resolution and significant probing depth, it may be suitable for accurate, noninvasive water content monitoring in the skin. In this work we studied OA response from skin tissue phantoms and human wrist skin in the wavelength range from 1370 nm to 1650 nm using a novel, tunable OPO OA system. We identified optimal wavelengths for OA water content monitoring in different skin layers. The results of our study suggest that the OA technique may become a valuable, quantitative tool for accurate, high‐resolution water content monitoring in the skin and other tissues and may find wide applications in dermatology, cosmetology, and tissue trauma management.
A Physiological Approach to Pharmacokinetics in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Malik Paul R.V. , Yeung Cindy H.T. , Ismaeil Shams , Advani Urooj , Djie Sebastian , Edginton Andrea N.
Published: November 2020

The conventional approach to approximating the pharmacokinetics of drugs in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) only accounts for changes in the estimated glomerular filtration rate. However, CKD is a systemic and multifaceted disease that alters many body systems. Therefore, the objective of this exercise was to develop and evaluate a whole‐body mechanistic approach to predicting pharmacokinetics in patients with CKD. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic models were developed in PK‐Sim v8.0 (www.open-systems-pharmacology.org) to mechanistically represent the disposition of 7 compounds in healthy human adults. The 7 compounds selected were eliminated by glomerular filtration and active tubular secretion by the organic cation transport system to varying degrees. After a literature search, the healthy adult models were adapted to patients with CKD by numerically accounting for changes in glomerular filtration rate, kidney volume, renal perfusion, hematocrit, plasma protein concentrations, and gastrointestinal transit. Literature‐informed interindividual variability was applied to the physiological parameters to facilitate a population approach. Model performance in CKD was evaluated against pharmacokinetic data from 8 clinical trials in the literature. Overall, integration of the CKD parameterization enabled exposure predictions that were within 1.5‐fold error across all compounds and patients with varying stages of renal impairment. Notable improvement was observed over the conventional approach to scaling exposure, which failed in all but 1 scenario in patients with advanced CKD. Further research is required to qualify its use for first‐in‐CKD dose selection and clinical trial planning for a wider selection of renally eliminated compounds, including those subject to anion transport.
Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model‐Informed Drug Development for Polatuzumab Vedotin: Label for Drug‐Drug Interactions Without Dedicated Clinical Trials
Authors: Samineni Divya , Ding Hao , Ma Fang , Shi Rong , Lu Dan , Miles Dale , Mao Jialin , Li Chunze , Jin Jin , Wright Matthew , Girish Sandhya , Chen Yuan
Published: November 2020

Model‐informed drug development (MIDD) has become an important approach to improving clinical trial efficiency, optimizing drug dosing, and proposing drug labeling in the absence of dedicated clinical trials. For the first time, we developed a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model‐based approach to assess CYP3A‐mediated drug‐drug interaction (DDI) risk for polatuzumab vedotin (Polivy), an anti‐CD79b‐vc‐monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) antibody‐drug conjugate (ADC). The model was developed and verified using data from the existing clinical DDI study for brentuximab vedotin, a similar vc‐MMAE ADC. Analogous to the brentuximab vedotin clinical study, polatuzumab vedotin at the proposed labeled dose was predicted to have a limited drug interaction potential with strong CYP3A inhibitor and inducer. Polatuzumab vedotin was also predicted to neither inhibit nor induce CYP3A. The present work demonstrated a high‐impact application using a PBPK MIDD approach to predict the CYP3A‐mediated DDI to enable drug labeling in the absence of any dedicated clinical DDI study. The key considerations for the PBPK report included in the Biologics License Application/Marketing Authorization Application submission, as well as the strategy and responses to address some of the critical and challenging questions from the health authorities following the submission are also discussed. Our experience and associated perspective using a PBPK approach to ultimately enable a drug interaction label claim for polatuzumab vedotin in lieu of a dedicated clinical DDI study, as well as the interactions with the regulatory agencies, further provides confidence in applying MIDD to accelerate the registration and approval of new drug therapies.
Dose Optimization in Kidney Disease: Opportunities for PBPK Modeling and Simulation
Authors: Franchetti Yoko , Nolin Thomas D.
Published: November 2020

Kidney disease affects pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles of not only renally cleared drugs but also nonrenally cleared drugs. The impact of kidney disease on drug disposition has not been fully elucidated, but describing the extent of such impact is essential for conducting dose optimization in kidney disease. Accurate evaluation of kidney function has been a clinical interest for dose optimization, and more scientists pay attention and conduct research for clarifying the role of drug transporters, metabolic enzymes, and their interplay in drug disposition as kidney disease progresses. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling and simulation can provide valuable insights for dose optimization in kidney disease. It is a powerful tool to integrate discrete knowledge from preclinical and clinical research and mechanistically investigate system‐ and drug‐dependent factors that may contribute to the changes in PK profiles. PBPK‐based prediction of drug exposures may be used a priori to adjust dosing regimens and thereby minimize the likelihood of drug‐related toxicity. With real‐time clinical studies, parameter estimation may be performed with PBPK approaches that can facilitate identification of sources of interindividual variability. PBPK modeling may also facilitate biomarker research that aids dose optimization in kidney disease. U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidances related to conduction of PK studies in kidney impairment and PBPK documentation provide the foundation for facilitating model‐based dose‐finding research in kidney disease.
Physical parameter‐based data‐driven modeling of small signal parameters of a metal‐semiconductor field‐effect transistor
Authors: Satılmış Gökhan , Güneş Filiz , Mahouti Peyman
Published: November 2020

In this work, physical parameter‐based modeling of small signal parameters for a metal‐semiconductor field‐effect transistor (MESFET) has been carried out as continuous functions of drain voltage, gate voltage, frequency, and gate width. For this purpose, a device simulator has been used to generate a big dataset of which the physical device parameters included material type, doping concentration and profile, contact type, gate length, gate width, and work function. Five state‐of‐the‐art algorithms: multi‐layer perceptron (MLP), IBk, K*, Bagging, and REPTree have been used for creating a regression model. The symbolic regression algorithm has been used to obtain analytical expressions of the real and imaginary parts of the Scattering (S) parameters using the physics‐based generated dataset. The regression performances of all the benchmarks and the symbolic regression have been compared to references from the device simulator results. The results of the derived equations and the best algorithms have been then compared to the device simulator results, with case studies for validation. The DC performance characteristics of the MESFET have been also obtained. The proposed model can be used to predict the small signal parameters of new devices prior to development, and allows for both the device and circuit to be optimized for specific applications.
Connectivity in hydrology and sediment dynamics
Authors: Keesstra Saskia D. , Bagarello Vincenzo , Ferro Vito , Finger David , Parsons Anthony J.
Published: November 2020

Connectivity has emerged as a significant conceptual framework for understanding the transfer of surface water and sediment through landscapes. The concept has been widely adopted in the field of catchment hydrology but has also been valuable to investigate rates of soil erosion by water and sediment export across landscapes. To study connectivity, we gathered a group of scientists that worked on synthesizing and consolidating all theories and aspects of connectivity research. Within the EU‐funded ESSEM COST Action CONNECTEUR (ES1306), five working groups were established: (a) theory, (b) measuring, (c) modelling, (d) indices, and (e) society. One of the outputs of this COST Action is this Special Issue where we have assimilated research on connectivity around the globe. The papers of the Special Issue demonstrate the continued interest in the role of connectivity as a conceptual framework for understanding the transfer of surface water and sediment through landscapes. This Special Issue shows that the connectivity concept widens the view of a researcher by having to look at more parts of a system than is done in most studies in the field of hydrology and sediment dynamics. It addresses the connections among different parts of a catchment system: the hillslope with the channel, the soil column with vegetation effects on runoff, and channel process with ecology.
Radioanatomical study of the extended free nasal floor mucosal graft and its clinical applications
Authors: González‐García Jaime , Moreno‐Luna Ramón , Palacios‐García José , Del Cuvillo Bernal Alfonso , Maza‐Solano Juan M. , Santos Pérez Jaime , Pinheiro‐Neto Carlos D. , Sánchez‐Gómez Serafín , Ambrosiani Fernández Jesús
Published: November 2020

Objectives

To perform a radio‐anatomical evaluation of the nasal cavity floor free mucosal graft (endonasal extended mucoplasty, EEM) to repair mucosal defects after an extended ethmoid‐sphenoidotomy.

Methods

A human cadaveric study (radiological and anatomical dissection) and an in vivo study in surgical patients with CRSwNP were performed. The EEM areas were compared between 3D reconstruction from CT scans and anatomical/surgical dissections, both in cadaver specimens and in patients. Feasibility was assessed by correlation between the EEM area on CT scans and when harvested in cadavers and when grafted in patients. Usefulness was assessed by the degree of coverage of the EEM in the surface exposed after an extended ethmoid‐sphenoidotomy. Both feasibility and usefulness were assessed in cadaveric specimens (n = 15) and patients (n = 4).

Results

Fifteen cadaveric specimens and 4 patients with bilateral CRSwNP were included. The mean (SD) areas obtained in the cadaveric radiological and anatomical studies were 9.44 (2.07) cm2 and 8.03 (1.36) cm2, respectively (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.59, moderate correlation), and in 3D reconstruction for operated patients were 10.32 (0.98) cm2 and 11.27 (2.44) cm2, respectively. The coverage of the ethmoidal roof in the cadaveric dissection study was 100%, from the anterior ethmoidal artery to the posterior ethmoidal artery, covering the planun sphenoidale up to 75% in the case series. In 87.5% of the cases, up to 50% of the papiracea lamina was covered.

Conclusion

The EEM have shown to be a feasible and useful grafting technique to repair skull base defects after performing an extended ethmoid‐sphenoidotomy during surgery for CRSwNP.

Level of Evidence

NA.
Enabling Oxygen–Sulfur Exchange Reaction to Produce Semicrystalline Copolymers from Carbon Disulfide and Ethylene Oxide
Authors: Yang Jia‐Liang , Wang Ying , Cao Xiao‐Han , Zhang Cheng‐Jian , Chen Zheng , Zhang Xing‐Hong
Published: November 2020

This work describes the first example of semicrystalline poly(thiocarbonate)s from carbon disulfide (CS2) and ethylene oxide (EO), two mass producible low‐cost monomers. Lewis acid/base pairs (LPs) exhibit high activity (EO conversion up to >99%, 8 h) in catalyzing the copolymerization under low Lewis pair/monomer ratio of 1:1500. Oxygen–sulfur exchange reaction (O–S ER) during the copolymerization of CS2 and EO, the generation and mutual copolymerization with COS, CO2, and episulfide, is harnessed to introduce crystallizable segments [SC(O)O and SC(S)S] in the copolymer. The type of Lewis base is found to have a great impact on the chain microstructure and the crystalline properties. The formed copolymers with melting point from 117.7 to 245.3 °C are obtained. The maximum crystallinity is estimated to be 78% based on the powder wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction pattern. This work provides a general method to prepare semicrystalline sulfur‐containing polymers.
Synthesis and Fluorescent Thermoresponsive Properties of Tetraphenylethylene‐Labeled Methylcellulose
Authors: Wang Haoying , Wang Fangyu , Deng Pengpeng , Zhou Jinping
Published: November 2020

Functional polymer, especially the one based on renewable and sustainable materials, has attracted increasing attention to satisfy the growing demand for the design of stimuli‐responsive devices. Methylcellulose (MC) is a water‐soluble derivative of cellulose, which has been widely used in many fields for its biocompatibility and biological inertness. In this work, MC is labeled by tetraphenylethylene (TPE) via azide–alkyne click reaction to obtain a fluorescent cellulose‐based derivative of MC‐TPE. The degree of substitution of MC‐TPE is determined to be 0.074, which can be self‐assembled into micelles in water with the size of 42 ± 6 nm. MC‐TPE shows thermoresponsivity and thermoreversibility in size, transmittance, and fluorescence, enabling it to work as a fluorescent thermosensor. Moreover, MC‐TPE exhibits nontoxicity and biocompatibility, allowing its application in MCF‐7 cell imaging. Therefore, this newly functional natural polymer shows promising potentials in the fields of sensing and bioimaging.
Insight into Morphology Change of Chitin Microspheres using Tertiary Butyl Alcohol/H2O Binary System Freeze‐Drying Method
Authors: Ying Daofa , Wang Zhenggang , Zheng Yiran , Cai Jie , Zhang Lina
Published: November 2020

The morphology of materials usually plays a significant role in their applications; the mechanical properties of the materials and characteristics such as specific surface area, surface energy, adsorbability, and wettability are dependent on the morphology. This study is focused on studying the effects of different tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) aqueous solutions on the freeze‐dried morphologies of chitin microspheres (CMs). By constructing a TBA/H2O phase diagram, the underlying mechanisms of morphology change are explored. It is found that by freeze drying the CMs with 20 and 100 wt% TBA, a fine nanofiber weaved pore structure can be obtained. Away from these two ratios, the nanofibers are oppressed by the large crystals formed during the precool process or bind together due to the existence of water in the secondary drying stage, poor morphology and pore characteristics appearing. Moreover, the 20 wt% TBA freeze‐drying route is conducive to split the CMs and other polysaccharide (PS) microspheres. The split method is also helpful for exploring the internal structure of the microspheres. Therefore, this study makes it possible to simplify the morphology control of CMs, which helps in the characterization of porous PS‐based microspheres.
Aqueous Polymer Modification of Cellulose Nanofibrils by Grafting‐Through a Reactive Methacrylate Group
Authors: Kelly Peter V. , Cheng Peng , Gardner Douglas J. , Gramlich William M.
Published: November 2020

Modifying the surface of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) produced by mechanical refinement with a variety of polymer functional groups in an entirely water‐based system is challenging because only surface hydroxyl groups are accessible. To address this limitation, an entirely water‐based, polymer modification scheme is developed. CNFs are functionalized with a reactive methacrylate functional group followed by subsequent grafting‐through polymerization. This modification worked with a variety of water‐soluble and water‐insoluble (meth)acrylates and (meth)acrylamides, grafting up to 45 wt% polymer on to the CNFs. The reaction conditions introducing the methacrylate functional group are adjusted to vary the degree of functionality. Soxhlet extraction of modified samples demonstrates that the reactive methacrylate group is necessary to facilitate polymer grafting. The degree of functionalization of the polymers is studied via quantitative transmission IR spectroscopy and the morphology of the resulting cellulose nanofibrils is studied via a combination of optical, scanning electron, and atomic force microscopy. High levels of polymer modification do not significantly affect the micrometer‐scale fibril morphology.
FDG‐PET Patterns Predict Amyloid Deposition and Clinical Profile in Corticobasal Syndrome
Authors: Parmera Jacy Bezerra , Coutinho Artur Martins , Aranha Mateus Rozalem , Studart‐Neto Adalberto , de Godoi Carneiro Camila , de Almeida Isabel Junqueira , Fontoura Solla Davi J. , Ono Carla Rachel , Barbosa Egberto Reis , Nitrini Ricardo , Buchpiguel Carlos Alberto , Brucki Sonia Maria Dozzi
Published: November 2020

Background

Corticobasal syndrome (CBS) is an atypical parkinsonian syndrome related to multiple underlying pathologies.

Objective

To investigate if individual brain [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) patterns could distinguish CBS due to Alzheimer's disease (AD) from other pathologies based on [11C]Pittsburgh Compound‐B (PIB)‐PET.

Methods

Forty‐five patients with probable CBS were prospectively evaluated regarding cognitive and movement disorders profile. They underwent FDG‐PET and were distributed into groups: likely related to AD (CBS FDG‐AD) or likely non‐AD (CBS FDG‐nonAD) pathology. Thirty patients underwent PIB‐PET on a hybrid PET‐magnetic resonance imaging equipment to assess their amyloid status. FDG and PIB‐PET images were classified individually based on visual and semi‐quantitative analysis, blinded to each other. Quantitative group analyses were also performed.

Results

CBS FDG‐AD group demonstrated worse cognitive performances, mostly concerning attention, memory, visuospatial domains, and displayed more myoclonus and hallucinations. The non‐AD metabolic group presented more often limb dystonia, ocular motor dysfunction, motor perseveration, and dysarthria. All patients classified as CBS FDG‐AD tested positive at PIB‐PET compared to 3 of 20 in the non‐AD group. The individual FDG‐PET classification demonstrated 76.92% of sensitivity, 100% of specificity and positive predictive value and 88.5% of balanced accuracy to detect positive PIB‐PET scans. Individuals with positive and negative PIB‐PET showed hypometabolism in posterior temporoparietal areas and in thalamus and brainstem, respectively, mainly contralateral to most affected side, disclosing possible metabolic signatures of CBS variants.

Conclusion

FDG‐PET was useful to predict AD and non‐AD CBS variants depicting their specific degeneration patterns, different clinical features, and brain amyloid deposition. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
The Duke myasthenia gravis clinic registry: I. Description and demographics
Authors: Sanders Donald B. , Raja Shruti M. , Guptill Jeffrey T. , Hobson‐Webb Lisa D. , Juel Vern C. , Massey Janice M.
Published: November 2020

Introduction

The Duke Myasthenia Gravis (MG) Clinic Registry is a disease‐specific database containing physician‐derived data from patients seen in the Duke MG Clinic since 1980.

Methods

Data from 1060 MG patients initially seen between 1980 and 2008 were reviewed.

Results

Fifty‐four percent were male. Symptoms began after age 50 in 66% of males and 42% of females. Peak onset age in males was in their 60's; females had no predominant onset age. Onset age for both sexes increased from 1980 to 2008. Thymoma was present in 8.5%. Weakness was limited to ocular muscles for at least 2 y in 22% and became generalized later in 8.3% of these. Acetylcholine receptor antibodies were present in 78% overall, 82% with generalized MG and 52% with ocular MG (OMG). The distribution of MG disease class was similar in males and females, except that a greater proportion of women experienced myasthenic crisis and men were more likely to have OMG.

Discussion

Data in the Registry permit comprehensive and longitudinal analysis of a validated MG population. Analysis of Registry data shows that the frequency of AChR antibody negative MG, ocular MG, and thymoma are similar to other reports, but the onset age and proportion of males have progressively increased compared to studies published more than 20 y ago. These observations demonstrate the value of collecting comprehensive clinical information and comparing historic and contemporary populations. Other potential uses of Registry data include comparison of outcome measures in different disease subgroups and the response to specific treatments.
Impact of a 1‐day urodynamic course on knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes of urology residents
Authors: Gomes Cristiano M. , de Bessa Jose , Nunes Ricardo V. , Prezotti Jose , Bruschini Homero , Gomes Marcio M.
Published: November 2020

Aims

No evidence‐informed educational curriculum is available for designing urodynamics (UDS) courses. We evaluated the learning outcomes of a short‐lasting urodynamic course for urology residents.

Methods

Urology residents of postgraduate years 4 and 5 (n = 13 and n = 1316, respectively) attended a 1‐day urodynamic course. Learning objectives included patient preparation, indication and technique, terminology, trace interpretation, and impact on patient management. Instructional methods consisted of short lectures (3 h) and case‐based discussions (7.5 h). Learners’ reactions, modifications of perceptions and attitudes, and acquisition of knowledge and skills were assessed by three written tests with a single group, pretest, posttest 1, and posttest 2 design. Tests were conducted precourse, 1 week after, and 4 months after the course.

Results

All participants felt more confident in several urodynamic competencies after the course, including patient preparation, urodynamic indication and technique, terminology, trace interpretation, and impact for patient management. These perceptions remained unchanged after 4 months. Most became stricter in the indication of UDS, including 20 (87.0%) at posttest 1 and 8 (66.7%) at posttest 2. The mean number of correct answers in the knowledge evaluation was 52.2% versus 61.4% versus 56.7%, respectively at pretest, posttest 1, and posttest 2; p = 0.535). All participants rated the course as very useful or useful in both posttest evaluations.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that a 1‐day urodynamic course can promote lasting improvements in self‐reported perceptions, attitudes, and urodynamic‐related competencies of urology residents. Further studies using evidence‐informed educational principles are needed to determine the effect of specific educational interventions on urodynamic competencies in different contexts.
A novel adaptive mesh refinement scheme for the simulation of phase‐field fracture using trimmed hexahedral meshes
Authors: Kim Ho‐Young , Kim Hyun‐Gyu
Published: November 2020

In this article, a novel adaptive mesh refinement scheme based on trimmed hexahedral (TH) meshes is proposed to simulate phase‐field fracture in brittle materials. A regular hexahedral background mesh is adaptively refined using a balanced octree algorithm to resolve the length scale in phase‐field fracture models. Adaptively refined TH meshes are created by cutting octree background meshes with the boundary of an analysis domain. A multithreshold criterion for mesh refinement is proposed to accurately capture the evolution of the damage phase field. Shape functions for transition TH elements are developed to satisfy the compatibility across the interelement boundaries between TH elements with different refinement levels. Numerical results show that the present scheme is very efficient and effective to trace arbitrary evolving phase‐field cracks in three dimensions.
Workplace violence among Registered Nurses in Saudi Arabia: A qualitative study
Authors: Salvador Jordan Tovera , Alqahtani Friyal Mubarak , Al‐Madani Maha Mohammed , Jarrar Mu’taman Khalil , Dorgham Sherien Ragab , Victoria Reyes Lilibeth Dela , Alzaid Mohammed
Published: November 2020

Aim

The primary aim of this qualitative inquiry is to explore the experiences of Registered Nurses working in Saudi Arabia, which was a guide to answer the question, “what are the lived experiences of Registered Nurses working in a selected government hospital in Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia towards workplace violence?”

Background

Workplace violence is a social phenomenon that needs a widespread campaign to eradicate. Incidence from all over the world continues to grow in number, especially among Registered Nurses in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

Descriptive phenomenology. Purposive‐convenience sampling was used in selecting 21 Registered Nurses as participants for individual in‐depth interviews. Data were gathered over an 11 month's period from September 2017 to August 2018. We used Colaizzi's method for analysing the data. COREQ criteria were adapted in reporting the results of the study.

Results

Three themes had emerged from the experiences of the participants:“co‐workers becomeunjust and violent”; “socio‐cultural divergence towards healthcare workers”; and “violence from outside influences affecting the workplace.”
New insight into the thermal‐oxidative stability of polyamide 6: A comparison investigation on the effect of hindered amine and CuI/KI
Authors: Qi Shunxin , Wen Xiangning , Li Shaofan , Li Xungang , Mao Chenxi , Dong Xia , Zhao Ying , Su Yunlan , Wang Kezhi , Wang Dujin
Published: November 2020

Polyamide 6 (PA6) and stabilized PA6 with two different thermal stabilizers, (ie, metal salts CuI/KI and hindered amine KYN818 [1,3‐benzendicarboxamide,N,N'‐bis(2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐4‐piperidinyl)]) were separately prepared by melt blending and then aged for different time. The effects of aging temperature and aging time on crystallization behaviors of PA6 and stabilized PA6 were systematically investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray diffraction. The variations of melting temperature, crystallinity and 2θ values suggest that aging under high temperature will accelerate the formation of crystals initially and then the degradation of molecular chains. The yellowness index and maximum decomposition temperature of stabilized PA6 are higher than that of PA6, which is dominated by different aging mechanisms and properties of stabilizers. In addition, the viscosity of all systems is increased at the preliminary stage, which is caused by the crosslinking network and the post‐polycondensation. The results of dynamic mechanical analysis showed that the glass transition temperature (Tg) decreases because the degradation of molecular chains during the aging process. Moreover, the carbonyl index for stabilized PA6 is lower than PA6, indicating the degradation is hindered by stabilizers. A comparison of the stabilization performance between CuI/KI and KYN818 was investigated to differentiate the long‐term stabilizing efficiency.
Validity, reliability and hierarchical structure of the PID‐5 among Egyptian college students: Using exploratory structural equation modelling
Authors: Aboul‐ata Mohammad , Qonsua Faten
Published: November 2020

Background

The present study aimed to investigate the pathological personality traits of undergraduate students using the Personality Inventory for DSM‐5 (PID‐5) among Egyptian university‐age participants.

Method

We replicated the five‐factor model of the PID‐5 using exploratory structural equation modelling analysis with target rotation towards the original study of the PID‐5 construction. Next, we estimated the factor congruence to identify the similarity of the present five‐factor solution with the available relevant studies. Moreover, we investigated the pattern of the Personality Pathology hierarchy for the PID‐5. The sample comprised 845 undergraduate students whose ages ranged between 18 and 28 years (mean = 19.89 and standard deviation = 1.43).

Results

The present study findings showed that the reliability of the PID‐5 facets was acceptable. In addition, the factor congruence results showed that the replicated five factors had acceptable congruence coefficients with some relevant studies. Also, the results indicated that the hierarchy levels were found to be consistent with some relevant findings.

Discussion

Generally, the PID‐5 showed sufficient reliability and validity; however, there were significant cross‐loadings that have been discussed in detail in the succeeding text. Further, this is the first study in the Arab world that uses exploratory structural equation modelling and build a hierarchical structure to investigate the PID‐5. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reaction mechanisms and products of lead with C6H6 and C6H5OH in incineration of sludge: A theoretical exploration
Authors: Lu Chenggang , Tang Yizhen , Tong Yi , Zhao Hui , Cheng Zhuang , Sun Jingyu
Published: November 2020

In this work, the reactions of Pb and PbO with benzene (C6H6) and phenol (C6H5OH) during sludge incineration were investigated using quantum chemistry methods. Result indicates that Pb reacts with two organics via insertion mechanism to form C6H5PbH, C6H5OPbH, C6H5PbOH, and m‐, o‐, p‐HPbC6H4OH. The energy barriers are modest to overcome, and all products are rather stable with their relative energy from around −130 to −250 kJ/mol; therefore, Pb could be formed as Pb‐organic compounds deposited in bottom ash or fly ash. Moreover, C6H5OPbH is the most feasible products thermodynamically and kinetically. In presence of oxygen, Pb might be oxidized to be PbO firstly, and C6H5PbOH and o‐HOPbC6H4OH were formed when PbO as reactant; the corresponding barriers are high to be 114 and 53 kJ/mol, respectively, indicating these organic‐metal compounds are difficult to generate during incineration of sludge. It implies that O2 free condition is more feasible for Pb to be deposited as compounds in bottom slag or fly ash. Thus, the secondary treatment of bottom slag or fly ash is necessary to reduce the harm of Pb‐contained compounds after sludge incineration.