bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Near Infrared Fluorescence Imaging to Assess Breast Flap Perfusion and Prevention of Ischemia: Case Report
Authors: Cheong Ju Yong , Goltsman David , Warrier Sanjay
Published: November 2019

Introduction:

Breast skin flap ischemia and necrosis is a serious consequence of breast reconstruction with reported incidence of 10% to 15%. Current clinical method of assessing breast skin flap perfusion includes combination of skin color, temperature, dermal edge bleeding, and capillary refill. Given the high incidence of ischemia and the presence of certain cohort of patient with greater risk, there is a need for an objective method of assessing the skin flap perfusion. Near infrared fluorescence imaging using indocyanine green is a new technique of assessing skin flap perfusion. We present a first reported case where breast skin flap ischemia was objectively identified intraoperatively by NIRF imaging, and this ischemia was reversed through active intra- and postoperative measures, which was objectively again identified by NIRF imaging.

Case presentation:

A 36-year-old female patient underwent bilateral nipple sparing mastectomies with immediate reconstruction using tissue expanders. Clinical assessment of the breast skin flap was equivocal. NIRF imaging using SPY imaging system (Novadaq Technologies Inc, Toronto, ON, Canada) showed poor perfusion in the periareolar region. As a result, it was decided to completely deflate the expander, actively warm the skin flap and encourage cutaneous perfusion through use of topical glycerin trinitrate patch. A repeat NIRF imaging 48 hours showed 10-fold increase in perfusion in the skin flap.

Conclusion:

NIRF imaging is a useful tool in assessing breast skin perfusion and to predict potential ischemia, which can aid in surgeon's management of patient.
Multiple system‐level feedback loops control life‐and‐death decisions in endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Kapuy Orsolya , Márton Margita , Bánhegyi Gábor , Vinod P. K.
Published: November 2019

Scientific results have revealed that autophagy is able to promote cell survival in response to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, while drastic events result in apoptotic cell death. Here, we analyse the important crosstalk of life‐and‐death decisions from a systems biological perspective by studying the regulatory modules of the unfolded protein response (UPR). While a double‐negative loop between autophagy and apoptosis inducers is crucial for the switch‐like characteristic of the stress response mechanism, a positive feedback loop between ER stress sensors is also essential. Corresponding to experimental data, here, we show the dynamical significance of Gadd34‐CHOP connections inside the PERK branch of the UPR. The multiple system‐level feedback loops seem to be crucial for managing a robust life‐and‐death decision depending on the level and durability of cellular stress.
RETRACTED: MicroRNA‐498 reduces the proliferation and invasion of colorectal cancer cells via targeting Bcl‐2
Authors: Wang Tongsheng , Ma Ling , Li Wenxia , Ding Lei , Gao Hong
Published: November 2019

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains a major cause of carcinoma‐related deaths worldwide. MicroRNA‐498 (miR‐498) modulates the development of a variety of biological events, including tumorigenesis. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether miR‐498 plays a role in CRC. This study was designed to elucidate the underlying mechanism and role of miR‐498 in modulation of the viability and invasiveness of CRC cells. We report that CRC tissues and cells exhibited decreased expression of miR‐498, and that overexpression of miR‐498 resulted in reduced proliferation of CRC cells, concomitant with increased apoptosis. Furthermore, bioinformatic prediction and dual‐luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR‐498 targeted the 3′‐UTR of Bcl‐2 for silencing. However, Bcl‐2 overexpression suppressed the proapoptosis of miR‐498 on CRC cells. In summary, we describe a possible role of miR‐498 in CRC, which may lead to the identification of new targets for treatment of this malignancy.
Metal‐ and Catalyst‐Free One‐Pot Cascade Coupling of α‐Enolic Dithioesters with in situ Generated 4‐Chloro‐3‐formylcoumarin: Access to Thioxothiopyrano[3,2‐c]chromen‐5(2H)‐ones
Authors: Yadav Dhananjay , Ansari Monish A. , Kumar Mitilesh , Singh Maya Shankar
Published: November 2019

An efficient and viable one‐pot protocol for the synthesis of a specific class of 2‐thioxothiopyrano[3,2‐c] chromen‐5(2H)‐ones has been devised by the cross‐coupling of 4‐hydroxycoumarin and α‐enolic dithioesters under metal‐ and additive‐free conditions in open air. The reaction proceeds via in situ generation of 4‐chloro‐3‐formylcoumarin followed by consecutive Michael‐type addition/intramolecular cyclization/ elimination cascade, enabling the creation of thiopyran‐2‐thione ring over coumarin framework through successive formation of C−C and C−S bonds. Remarkably, the benign conditions, atom‐economy, and quantifying forbearance of a wide horizon of functional groups are added characteristics to this strategy.

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2D MXene‐Integrated 3D‐Printing Scaffolds for Augmented Osteosarcoma Phototherapy and Accelerated Tissue Reconstruction
Authors: Pan Shanshan , Yin Junhui , Yu Luodan , Zhang Changqing , Zhu Yufang , Gao Youshui , Chen Yu
Published: November 2019

The residual of malignant tumor cells and lack of bone‐tissue integration are the two critical concerns of bone‐tumor recurrence and surgical failure. In this work, the rational integration of 2D Ti3C2 MXene is reported with 3D‐printing bioactive glass (BG) scaffolds for achieving concurrent bone‐tumor killing by photonic hyperthermia and bone‐tissue regeneration by bioactive scaffolds. The designed composite scaffolds take the unique feature of high photothermal conversion of integrated 2D Ti3C2 MXene for inducing bone‐tumor ablation by near infrared‐triggered photothermal hyperthermia, which has achieved the complete tumor eradication on in vivo bone‐tumor xenografts. Importantly, the rational integration of 2D Ti3C2 MXene is demonstrated to efficiently accelerate the in vivo growth of newborn bone tissue of the composite BG scaffolds. The dual functionality of bone‐tumor killing and bone‐tissue regeneration makes these Ti3C2 MXene‐integrated composite scaffolds highly promising for the treatment of bone tumors, which also substantially broadens the biomedical applications of 2D MXenes in tissue engineering, especially on the treatment of bone tumors.
Metal‐Based Nanocatalysts via a Universal Design on Cellular Structure
Authors: Zhao Yajing , Min Xin , Ding Zhengping , Chen Shuang , Ai Changzhi , Liu Zhenglian , Yang Tianzi , Wu Xiaowen , Liu Yan'gai , Lin Shiwei , Huang Zhaohui , Gao Peng , Wu Hui , Fang Minghao
Published: November 2019

Metal‐based nanocatalysts supported on carbon have significant prospect for industry. However, a straightforward method for efficient and stable nanocatalysts still remains extremely challenging. Inspired by the structure and comptosition of cell walls and membranes, an ion chemical bond anchoring, an in situ carbonization coreduction process, is designed to obtain composite catalysts on N‐doped 2D carbon (C‐N) loaded with various noble and non‐noble metals (for example, Pt, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Ir, Au, Co, and Ni) nanocatalysts. These 2 nm particles uniformly and stably bond with the C‐N support since the agglomeration and growth are suppressed by anchoring the metal ions on the cell wall and membrane during the carbonization and reduction reactions. The Pt@C‐N exhibits excellent catalytic activity and long‐term stability for the hydrogen evolution reaction, and the relative overpotential at 100 mA cm−2 is only 77 mV, which is much lower than that of commercial Pt/C and Pt single‐atom catalysts reported recently.
In Situ Conversion of Cu3P Nanowires to Mixed Ion/Electron‐Conducting Skeleton for Homogeneous Lithium Deposition
Authors: Sun Changzhi , Lin Aming , Li Wenwen , Jin Jun , Sun Yiyang , Yang Jianhua , Wen Zhaoyin
Published: November 2019

The introduction of 3D wettable current collectors is one of the practical strategies toward realizing high reversibility of lithium (Li) metal anodes, yet its effect is usually insufficient owing to single electron‐conductive skeleton. Here, homogeneous Li deposition behavior and enhanced Coulombic efficiency is reported for electrochemically lithiated Cu3P nanowires, owing to the formation of a mixed ion/electron‐conducting skeleton (MIECS). In particular, by evaluating the Gibbs free energy change, the possible chemical reaction between Cu3P and molten Li is used to construct a MIECS containing Li3P and Cu–Li alloy phase. The successful conversion of Cu3P nanowires to Li3P and Cu–Li alloy nanocomposite not only greatly reduces the surface energy between molten Li and Cu3P, but also induces uniform Li stripping/plating behavior via balanced ion/electron transport. Thus, the as‐obtained Li@MIECS composite anode displays superior cycling stability in both symmetric cells and full cells. This work provides a promising option for the preparation of high‐performance composite Li anodes containing MIECS by thermally pre‐storing Li.
Recent Advances in Four‐Coordinated Planar Cobalt Catalysis in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Michiyuki Takuya , Komeyama Kimihiro
Published: November 2019

In the field of transition metal‐catalyzed organic transformations, four‐coordinated planar cobalt complexes represent an active area of research due to their low cost, abundance on earth, and unique catalytic activity based on the three oxidation states of cobalt. These complexes can behave as various reactive intermediates, such as Co(II) metalloradicals, Co(III) hydrides, Co(I) bases, and Co(I) nucleophiles, according to the ligand field theory. For instance, planar Co(II) species have a d7 electronic configuration and act as metalloradical catalysts, which react with diazo and azide compounds to form reactive intermediates such as Co(III) carbene‐radicals and Co(III) nitrene‐radicals, respectively. These intermediates enable efficient cyclopropanation and aziridination of alkenes and C(sp3)‐H bond functionalization. Furthermore, the hydrogen bonding interaction between amide groups of planar ligands and polar substituents of the carbon radical on the Co(III) carbene‐radicals not only creates robust chiral cavities but also contributes to the stabilization of the Co(III) carbene‐radical and the transition state, consequently resulting in a dramatic improvement in reaction efficiency. The Co(III)‐hydrides provide a useful method for the generation of carbon radicals through hydrocobaltation of alkenes followed by homolytic cleavage of the Co−C bond. The carbon radical formation can participate in various hydrofunctionalizations and alkene‐isomerization. The d8 planar Co(I) complexes act as a base because they have an electronically filled dz2 orbital as the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO). This basicity enables various aromatic C−H functionalizations without a stoichiometric amount of oxidant. In contrast, the same planar Co(I) also acts as a superior nucleophilic catalyst, which can react with carbon electrophiles such as epoxides and organic (pseudo)halides to produce the corresponding alkyl‐Co(III) species. The generated alkyl‐Co(III) can be converted into the carbon radical or undergo transalkylation reaction with other transition metal catalysts. The strategies provide a new method for organic transformation with carbon electrophiles. This minireview covers recent developments in the field of four‐coordinated planar cobalt‐catalyzed organic transformations, paying particular attention to the relationship between their catalytic activities and oxidation states. The reactions have been categorized into those involving planar Co(II) complexes, Co(III) hydrides, and Co(I) complexes, with representative examples and insightful mechanistic discussions.
Can increased educational attainment explain declining Indigenous fertility?
Authors: Venn Danielle , Dinku Yonatan
Published: November 2019

Prior research shows that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are more likely to have children and have more children, on average, than non‐Indigenous women. However, like those of the total Australian population, fertility rates of Indigenous women have been declining since the 1970s. The decline has been more significant in recent years. Between 2006 and 2016, an increasing proportion of Indigenous women postponed childbirth from their teens into their 20s and 30s, leading women to have fewer children over their lifetimes. During the same period, there was a rapid increase in educational attainment among the Indigenous population. This paper examines educational gradients in fertility among Indigenous women and whether the observed fertility decline is linked with the increased educational attainment. Using data from the 2006, 2011 and 2016 Australian Census of Population and Housing and applying a shift‐share decomposition analysis, we find that education has been a big driver of falling fertility rates in non‐remote areas. In remote areas, education has had a much smaller effect (except for youngest women).
Cellulose fast pyrolysis for platform chemicals: assessment of potential targets and suitable reactor technology
Authors: Parihar Anurag , Bhattacharya Sankar
Published: November 2019

The cellulosic component of lignocellulosic biomass can be converted to commercially valuable platform chemicals through pyrolysis provided it is effectively controlled and optimized. This review first discusses the underpinning kinetics and mechanism of cellulose pyrolysis to identify target platform chemicals. Platform chemicals like 5‐hydroxymethyl furfural, 5‐chloromethyl furfural, and levoglucosenone, which are potentially amenable to the pyrolytic conversion of cellulose, are then elucidated. There are laboratory and large‐scale reactor technologies available for converting biomass to bio‐oil but they have not been comprehensively investigated for producing platform chemicals through pyrolysis. This review critically evaluates different reactor types available for developing the catalytic pyrolysis process for converting cellulosic component of biomass to platform chemicals. The fluidized bed reactor stands out as the most suitable reactor technology for the catalytic pyrolysis of cellulose to platform chemicals owing to attributes like short residence time, high heating rate, uniform mixing, efficient heat transfer, and scalability of operations. This article provides perspective on the implementation of this technology for the pyrolysis of the cellulosic component of biomass to platform chemicals. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Morphometric analysis of the second through fifth metacarpal through posteroanterior X‐Rays
Authors: Sephien Andrew , Bethel Claire F. , Doyle Catherine M. , Gulick Danielle , Smith Carson J. , Schwartz‐Fernandes Francisco A.
Published: November 2019

Over the past 10 years, metacarpal fractures have had an annual incidence of 13.6 per 10,000 individuals. Literature has not reviewed anatomical variations through radiographic imaging, which may play a role in reducing postoperative complications. The purpose of this study was to use radiographic imaging to provide a detailed anatomy of the second through fifth metacarpals. This retrospective study measured length, neck width, narrowest body width, and narrowest medullary canal width of the second through fifth metacarpals through the use of posteroanterior X‐rays. Patients who were ≥18 years and received hand radiographs from January 2015 to July 2019 were included in this study. Those with acute injury or fracture of the metacarpal were excluded. Five hundred and seventy‐two metacarpals were included in this study, with 143 metacarpals measured each for the second through fifth metacarpal. The second metacarpal had the largest measured length, neck width, and narrowest body width at 68.72, 12.34, and 8.74 mm, respectively. The fifth metacarpal had the greatest average medullary canal width at 4.15 mm. This is the largest study in literature to comprehensively examine the anatomical variation of the second through fifth metacarpals. The second metacarpal had greatest dimensions except for canal width, which was the fifth metacarpal. Men almost consistently had greater metacarpal size when compared to women, and age was associated with second and third metacarpal canal width. The increased knowledge of metacarpal anatomy may potentially lay the foundation of further improvement of metacarpal implants and potentially reduce postoperative complications. Clin. Anat., 33:1014–1018, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Olfactory dysfunction in patients undergoing supraorbital keyhole craniotomy for clipping of unruptured aneurysms
Authors: Hendrix Philipp , Fischer Gerrit , Krug Julian , Linnebach Alan‐Christopher , Simgen Andreas , Griessenauer Christoph J. , Burkhardt Benedikt W. , Oertel Joachim
Published: November 2019

Olfactory performance has rarely been assessed in the perioperative phase of elective aneurysm surgery. Here, we assessed the risk for olfactory deterioration following surgical treatment of unruptured cerebral aneurysm via the supraorbital keyhole craniotomy. A retrospective review of patients with electively treated cerebral aneurysms who underwent perioperative assessment of olfactory function using a sniffin' sticks odor identification test between January 2015 and January 2016 was performed. A subgroup of patients without history of subarachnoid hemorrhage, without prior aneurysm treatment, and confirmed olfactory function underwent supraorbital keyhole craniotomy for aneurysm clipping. Microscopic and endoscopic videos were reviewed for this subgroup. Sixty‐four patients who underwent elective aneurysm treatment either via surgical clipping or endovascular aneurysm obliteration were identified. Prior to treatment, 4/64 (6.3%) demonstrated bilateral anosmia. Collectively, 14 patients (21.9%) met subgroup criteria of supraorbital keyhole craniotomy for aneurysm clipping. Here, olfactory performance significantly decreased postoperatively on the side of craniotomy (ipsilateral, P = 0.007), whereas contralateral and bilateral olfactory function remained unaltered (P = 0.301 and P = 0.582, respectively). Consequently, 4/14 patients (28.6%) demonstrated ipsilateral anosmia 3 months after surgery. One patient (1/14, 7.1%) also experienced contralateral anosmia resulting in bilateral anosmia. Intraoperative visualization of the olfactory tract and surgical maneuvers do not facilitate prediction of olfactory outcome. The supraorbital keyhole craniotomy harbors a specific risk for unilateral olfactory deterioration. Lack of perioperative olfactory assessment likely results in underestimation of the risk for olfactory decline. Despite uneventful surgery, prediction of postoperative olfactory function and dysfunction remain challenging. Clin. Anat. 33:316–323, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Insights from examination of hearts from adults dying suddenly to the understanding of congenital cardiac malformations
Authors: Westaby Joseph D. , Cooper Susanna T. E. , Edwards Khari A. , Anderson Robert H. , Sheppard Mary N.
Published: November 2019

Congenital heart disease is a rare but important finding in adults who experience sudden death. Examination of the congenitally malformed heart has historically been considered esoteric and best left to those with expertise. The Cardiac Risk in the Young cardiovascular pathology laboratory based at St George's University of London has now received over 6,000 cases. Of these, 21 congenitally malformed hearts were retained for research and educational purposes. Hearts were assessed using sequential segmental analysis, and causes of death were adjudicated based on thorough macroscopic examination and histology. Congenital malformations that were encountered included atrial septal defects, ventricular septal defects, tetralogy of Fallot, and transposition of the great arteries in both its regular and congenitally corrected variants. Findings also included hearts with mirror‐imaged and isomeric atrial appendages. Direct causes of death included myocardial fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, and hemorrhage. A small but notable proportion did not reveal a substrate for arrhythmia, raising the question of whether the terminal event was due to the congenital heart disease itself, or an underlying channelopathy. Here, we demonstrate the value of simple sequential segmental analysis in describing and categorizing the cases, with the concept of the “morphological method” serving to identify the distinguishing features of the cardiac components. Clin. Anat. 33:394–404, 2020. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Examining the gender pay gap among financial planning professionals: A Blinder‐Oaxaca decomposition
Authors: Tharp Derek T. , Lurtz Meghaan , Mielitz Katherine S. , Kitces Michael , Ammerman David Allen
Published: November 2019

The financial planning industry has been identified as having one of the largest gender pay gaps. This study examines whether male and female financial planners receive equal pay for equal work. Using detailed data on the backgrounds and practices of 710 financial planners, an unadjusted pay gap of 19% was observed between male and female financial planners. Blinder‐Oaxaca decomposition analysis suggests that 91% of this pay gap can be explained by a model accounting for differences in important individual characteristics including job role, experience, team structure, hours worked, revenue produced, professional designation status, marital status, and psychological factors such as degree of motivation by income potential, performance pay, work‐life balance, and stable pay; resulting in an unexplained gender pay gap of 1.8%, which is much smaller than the commonly cited pay gap among male and female financial planners. This unexplained pay gap may suggest unequal pay for equal work but could alternatively result from other unobservable differences. Degree of motivation by performance pay and revenue production explained the largest portions of the pay gap. Implications regarding gender‐based discrimination in financial planning are discussed.
A job scheduling algorithm for delay and performance optimization in fog computing
Authors: Jamil Bushra , Shojafar Mohammad , Ahmed Israr , Ullah Atta , Munir Kashif , Ijaz Humaira
Published: November 2019

Due to an ever‐increasing number of Internet of Everything (IoE) devices, massive amounts of data are produced daily. Cloud computing offers storage, processing, and analysis services for handling of such large quantities of data. The increased latency and bandwidth consumption is not acceptable to real‐time applications like online gaming, smart health, video surveillance, etc. Fog computing has emerged to overcome the increase in latency and bandwidth consumption in Cloud computing. Fog Computing provides storage, processing, networking, and analytical services at the edge of a network. As Fog Computing is still in its infancy, its significant challenges include resource‐allocation and job‐scheduling. The Fog devices at the edge of the network are resource‐constrained. Therefore, it is important to decide the assignment and scheduling of a job on a Fog node. An efficient job scheduling algorithm can reduce energy consumption and response time of an application request. In this paper, we propose a novel Fog computing scheduler that supports service‐provisioning for Internet of Everything, which optimizes delay and network usage. We present a case study to optimally schedule the requests of Internet of Everything devices on Fog devices and efficiently address their demands on available resources on every Fog device. We consider delay and energy consumption as performance metrics and evaluate the proposed scheduling algorithm using iFogSim in comparison with existing approaches. The results show that the delay and network usage of the proposed scheduler improve by 32% and 16%, respectively, in comparison with FCFS approach.
Opposite latitudinal patterns for bird and arthropod predation revealed in experiments with differently colored artificial prey
Authors: Zvereva Elena L. , Castagneyrol Bastien , Cornelissen Tatiana , Forsman Anders , Hernández‐Agüero Juan Antonio , Klemola Tero , Paolucci Lucas , Polo Vicente , Salinas Norma , Theron Kasselman Jurie , Xu Guorui , Zverev Vitali , Kozlov Mikhail V.
Published: November 2019

The strength of biotic interactions is generally thought to increase toward the equator, but support for this hypothesis is contradictory. We explored whether predator attacks on artificial prey of eight different colors vary among climates and whether this variation affects the detection of latitudinal patterns in predation. Bird attack rates negatively correlated with model luminance in cold and temperate environments, but not in tropical environments. Bird predation on black and on white (extremes in luminance) models demonstrated different latitudinal patterns, presumably due to differences in prey conspicuousness between habitats with different light regimes. When attacks on models of all colors were combined, arthropod predation decreased, whereas bird predation increased with increasing latitude. We conclude that selection for prey coloration may vary geographically and according to predator identity, and that the importance of different predators may show contrasting patterns, thus weakening the overall latitudinal trend in top‐down control of herbivorous insects.
Why do zoos attract crows? A comparative study from Europe and Asia
Authors: Kövér László , Lengyel Szabolcs , Takenaka Makiko , Kirchmeir Alice , Uhl Florian , Miller Rachael , Schwab Christine
Published: November 2019

Crows have successfully colonized many cities, and urban zoos have been important in this process. To evaluate why zoos attract crows, we quantified crow numbers and behavior in three zoos in Europe (Debrecen, Edinburgh, Vienna) and one in Asia (Sapporo). Data were collected in 445 surveys over 297 days in summer 2014 and winter 2014–2015. We found that crow numbers were highest in Vienna, intermediate in Debrecen and Edinburgh and lowest in Sapporo, increased significantly from summer to winter (Debrecen, Edinburgh, Vienna), and from mornings to afternoons (Debrecen, Sapporo, Vienna), and were higher in sunny weather than in cloudy weather with precipitation and when visitor numbers were low (Debrecen, Vienna). The crows' use of natural food was highest in Vienna, intermediate in Edinburgh and Sapporo, and low in Debrecen. The use of anthropogenic food was high in Debrecen and Sapporo, where the availability of open grassy areas typically used by crows for natural foraging was low. In Sapporo, food availability was more limited than in other zoos, resulting in strong territoriality and few crows in summer, which decreased further in winter. Our study indicates that crows are primarily attracted to zoos by food availability and secondarily by breeding opportunities and that the relative importance of natural versus anthropogenic food sources may vary with zoo habitat structure. Our study draws attention to a previously overlooked role of zoos in urban biodiversity conservation. It may also provide useful information for the management of crow populations, if necessary, and for the planning of urban areas.
Are competitive microfinance services worth regulating? Evidence from microfinance institutions in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Karimu Amin , Salia Samuel , Hussain Javed G. , Tingbani Ishmael
Published: November 2019

In recent years, there is increasing appetite for regulation of microfinance services after the 2008 financial crisis. Policy questions such as whether competitive microfinance institution (MFI) requires strong regulation to reduce, for example, credit risk or competition and regulation operate in the opposite direction, which each tends to dampen the effect of the other, are an empirical issue that this paper provides answers based on data on Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) for the period 1995–2015, utilizing panel data approaches. Finding from the study indicates that low competition increases credit risk among MFIs in SSA, which regulation helps reduce such behaviour. The effect of regulation on credit risk is conditional on the level of competition, at the first percentile of competition (imply more competition); regulation does not reduce credit risk behaviour of MFIs but does at competition level above the 25th percentile (imply less competition). Regulation, on the other hand, does not affect operational risk at any level of competition. These findings have implications for policy formulation on the regulation and operations of MFIs in SSA. Our findings suggest that the MFI industry could be regulated efficiently if policymakers develop policies targeted at reducing credit risk exposures of MFIs than their exposure to operational risk.
Effects of interfacial crack and implant material on mixed‐mode stress intensity factor and prediction of interface failure of cemented acetabular cup
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Ghosh Rajesh , Kumar Rajeev
Published: November 2019

This study deals with the effects of interfacial crack and implant material on mixed‐mode stress intensity factor and prediction of interface failure of the cemented acetabular cup. A three dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) model of implanted pelvic bone was developed based on the computed tomography (CT) scan data. Combinations of four materials were considered for implant material. To understand the influence of interfacial crack at bone–cement and cement–implant interfaces on failure, 2D cracked models were developed based on the FE model and solved using the element‐free Galerkin method (EFGM) by considering a rectangular section in the superior, inferior, anterior, and posterior locations. Interface failure was predicted in terms of mixed‐mode stress intensity factor (SIF). The stress values obtained from FE analysis were transferred at the cut boundary of the rectangular section and considered as a mixed‐mode loading condition to determine the SIF in the superior, inferior, anterior, and posterior locations at bone–cement and cement–implant interfaces using EFGM. Location wise, anterior seems to have more chances of failure because SIF in the anterior location was found to be higher than other locations. The bone–cement interface has more SIF and indicated more chances of failure than the cement–implant interface. Less SIF was found for the ceramic–ceramic material combination than other material combinations.
Correlation of CpG methylation of the Pdcd1 gene with PD‐1 expression on CD8+ T cells and medical laboratory indicators in chronic hepatitis B infection
Authors: Jiao Lin , Chen Jie , Wu Xiaojuan , Cai Bei , Su Zhenzhen , Wang Lanlan
Published: November 2019

Background

The negative signal provided by some co‐inhibitory factors such as programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1) has been associated with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection induced‐T cell exhaustion, although the correlation of CpG methylation of the Pdcd1 gene with PD‐1 expression and medical laboratory indicators in CHB infection has not yet been elucidated.

Methods

Blood samples from 20 CHB infection patients and 20 spontaneous clearance (SC) patients were collected. Percentages of PD‐1‐positive CD8+ T cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. The percentage of CpG methylation at the Pdcd1 locus was analyzed by bisulfite sequencing. Student's t test, Pearson and Spearman's correlation, and Mann–Whitney tests were used in the statistical analysis.

Results

Percentages of PD‐1‐positive CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood T cells were significantly higher in CHB patients than in the SC group (p < 0.001). The methylation level of Pdcd1 was significantly lower in CHB patients (p < 0.001) and the methylation level of Pdcd1 was negatively correlated with PD‐1 expression level in CD8+ T cells (p < 0.001) and hepatitis‐B surface antigen (HBsAg) (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The results of the present study suggest that Pdcd1 methylation is correlated with PD‐1 expression on CD8+ T cells and correlated with HBsAg and alanine aminotransferase. The results may provide new ideas regarding anti‐PD‐1 inhibitors, and epigenetic regulators such as demethylation inhibitors could represent more successful therapeutic strategies in hepatitis B infection patients.
Antimicrobial peptide CAMA‐syn expressed in pulmonary epithelium by recombination adenovirus inhibited the growth of intracellular bacteria
Authors: Yue Shuohao , Jie Jing , Xie Lilan , Li Yi , Zhang Junlin , Lai Xiaojing , Xie Jumin , Guo Xiaohong , Zhai Yi
Published: November 2019

Background

Intracellular bacteria, especially Mycobacterium tuberculosis, are important pathogenic microorganisms that endanger human health. Purified and synthesized cecropin A‐magainin 2 (CAMA‐syn) can exhibit a higher antibacterial activity and lower cytotoxicity. To enhance such antimicrobial potential, it would be desirable to deliver CAMA‐syn expressed in lung epithelial cells by an adenovirus vector using gene therapy.

Methods

A549 cells in vitro and lung epithelial cells in vivo were used to express CAMA‐syn by transducing recombinant adenovirus Ad‐SPC‐CAMA/GFP, and the expression of CAMA‐syn was determined by a reverse transcriptase‐polymerase reaction (RT‐PCR) and immunofluorescence. The antimicrobial activity in cells was investigated by colony‐forming rate and growth curve. Forty Kunming mice of a Bacillus Calmette‐Guerin (BCG) infection animal model were randomly divided into three groups: adenoviruses delivery of Ad‐SPC‐CAMA/GFP, Ad‐CMV‐CAMA/GFP and empty‐virus Ad‐CMV‐GFP. The expression of CAMA‐syn in mice was confirmed by RT‐PCR and immunofluorescence. After tracheal injection of adenoviral vector for 3 days, lungs from the mouse model were extracted and homogenized for detection of colony‐forming efficiency.

Results

CAMA‐syn expressed in lung epithelial cells A549 conferred antimicrobial activity against a series of bacteria, including Salmonella abortusovis and BCG. The results obtained in vivo showed that the colony‐forming rate of Ad‐SPC‐CAMA/GFP (74.54%) and Ad‐CMV‐CAMA/GFP (62.31%) transduced into mice was significantly lower than that of the control group.

Conclusions

Lung epithelial‐specific expression of antimicrobial peptide CAMA‐syn mediated by adenovirus suppressed the growth of intracellular bacteria, providing a promising approach for the control of refractory intracellular infection.
Texture Analysis of High b‐Value Diffusion‐Weighted Imaging for Evaluating Consistency of Pituitary Macroadenomas
Authors: Su Chun‐Qiu , Zhang Xuan , Pan Ting , Chen Xiao‐Tian , Chen Wen , Duan Shao‐Feng , Ji Jing , Hu Wei‐Xing , Lu Shan‐Shan , Hong Xun‐Ning
Published: November 2019

Background

Preoperative evaluation of the consistency of pituitary macroadenomas is important for neurosurgeons to prepare the surgical plan.

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of texture analysis (TA) of diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) at a standard b‐value (b = 1000 s/mm2) and a high b‐value (b = 2000 s/mm2) for their ability to assess the tumor consistency of pituitary macroadenomas.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population/Subjects

Fifty patients with histologically confirmed pituitary macroadenomas were classified as soft (n = 37) or hard (n = 13) types.

Field Strength/Sequence

Coronal T2‐weighted imaging (T2WI), Readout Segmentation of Long Variable Echo‐trains (RESOLVE) DWI at b = 1000 s/mm2 and b = 2000 s/mm2 were acquired with 3.0T MRI.

Assessment

The corresponding apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps (ADC1000 and ADC2000) were registered to T2WI. Regions of interest (ROIs) were manually drawn along the solid part of the tumor from the coregistered T2WI‐ADC images. The texture parameters from T2WI, ADC1000, and ADC2000 were acquired.

Statistical Tests

The texture parameters were compared between the two types by using unpaired Student's t‐test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and logistic regression analyses were used to assess their diagnostic performance.

Results

Significant differences in TA parameters of ADC1000 and ADC2000 were observed between soft and hard types (P < 0.05 for all), whereas the TA of T2WI resulted in no significant difference (P > 0.05 for all). TA of ADC2000 provided a superior diagnostic performance compared with that of ADC1000 (P = 0.038). A combination of mean value and entropy of ADC2000 yielded an AUC, a sensitivity, and a specificity of 0.911, 78.4% and 92.3%, respectively.

Data Conclusion

TA of ADC values were useful for assessing the tumor consistency of pituitary macroadenomas. ADC2000 may facilitate better type discrimination.

Level of Evidence: 3

Technical Efficacy Stage: 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1507–1513.
Evaluation of pull‐off strength and seating displacement of sleeved ceramic revision heads in modular hip arthroplasty
Authors: Chaudhary Miriam , Boruah Sourabh , Muratoglu Orhun K. , Varadarajan Kartik M.
Published: November 2019

Corrosion in revision total hip arthroplasty can be mitigated using a ceramic head on a well‐fixed in situ stem, but concerns of their early failure because of any surface defects on in situ stem necessitates the use of a titanium sleeve, which furnishes a factory‐finish surface. These sleeves are manufactured in different sizes allowing neck‐length adjustment. The strength of the taper junction of non‐sleeved primary heads is well‐investigated, but the influence of an interposed titanium sleeve on achieving a secure taper lock is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the pull‐off strength and seating displacement of revision ceramic heads and titanium taper sleeves. Two different head diameters and two different taper adapter sleeve offset lengths were mated with trunnions at two different impaction forces. The seating displacement and pull‐off force was recorded for each specimen. Profilometry of the grooved outer surfaces of the sleeve and trunnion was done before and after testing to analyze the change in surface roughness. The influence of head diameter, sleeve offset, and impaction force on seating displacement and pull‐off force was analyzed using analysis of covariance. Pull‐off forces for 6 kN assembly force were approximately three times those for 2 kN. The head diameter did not have a significant effect on the measured parameters. Compared with short offset length sleeves, extra‐long increased seating displacement by 31% and reduced pull‐off forces by 15%. While sleeves of different offset lengths permit control of neck length, surgeons must be careful of the impact of this choice on the stability of implant. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:1523–1528, 2020
Analytical strategies for chemical characterization of bio‐oil
Authors: Wang Yinghao , Han Yehua , Hu Wenya , Fu Dali , Wang Gang
Published: November 2019

Bio‐oils, produced by biomass pyrolysis, have become promising candidates for feedstocks of high value‐added chemicals and alternative sources for transportation fuels. Bio‐oil is such a complicated mixture that contains nonpolar hydrocarbons and polar components which cover almost all kinds of organic oxygenated compounds such as carboxylic acids, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, furfurals, phenolic compounds, sugar‐like material, and lignin‐derived compounds. Comprehensive characterization of bio‐oil and its subfractions could provide insight into the conversion process of biomass processing, as well as its further utilization as transportation fuels or chemical raw materials. This review focuses on advanced analytical strategies on in‐depth characterization of bio‐oil, which is concerned with gas chromatography, high‐resolution mass spectrometry, FTIR spectroscopy and NMR spectroscopy, offering complementary information for previous reviews.
Interdisciplinary integration of nursing and psychiatry (INaP) for the treatment of dizziness
Authors: Gerretsen Philip , Shah Parita , Logotheti Anastasia , Attia Mohamed , Balakumar Thushanthi , Sulway Shaleen , Ranalli Paul , Dillon Wanda A. , Pothier David D. , Rutka John A.
Published: November 2019

Objectives

The traditional medical care model of “assess and refer” requires revamping to address the multifaceted needs of patients with chronic dizziness and imbalance by adopting an interdisciplinary approach to care that integrates nursing and psychiatry (INaP). We aim to present a novel interdisciplinary approach that incorporates INaP in the care of patients with chronic dizziness and imbalance.

Methods

Presentation of an interdisciplinary model of care that incorporates INaP provided at the Toronto General Hospital in Toronto, Canada.

Results

Interdisciplinary care incorporating INaP, which includes the provision of support from an interdisciplinary health care team (ie, neurotologist, neurologist, psychiatrist, physiotherapist, and nurse clinician), psychoeducation about the interaction between chronic dizziness and psychiatric comorbidities, and ongoing access to medical and psychosocial assessment and intervention, addresses the physical and emotional aspects of patients’ experience with chronic dizziness.

Conclusions

The novel comprehensive interdisciplinary approach incorporating INaP may be more effective than interdisciplinary care without INaP in improving clinical outcomes in patients with chronic dizziness. In the subsequent study, we present data comparing patients treated for chronic dizziness and imbalance with and without the integration of INaP in an interdisciplinary setting.

Level of Evidence

5 Laryngoscope, 130:1792–1799, 2020
Interdisciplinary integration of nursing and psychiatry (INaP) improves dizziness‐related disability
Authors: Gerretsen Philip , Shah Parita , Logotheti Anastasia , Attia Mohamed , Balakumar Thushanthi , Sulway Shaleen , Ranalli Paul , Dillon Wanda A. , Pothier David D. , Rutka John A.
Published: November 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

The traditional medical care model of “assess and refer” in a sequential fashion fails to recognize the complexities that arise due to overlapping physical and psychiatric comorbidities experienced by patients with chronic dizziness or imbalance, thus resulting in inadequate treatment outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the impact of a novel interdisciplinary approach to care that integrates nursing and psychiatry (INaP) on dizziness‐related disability.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

We compared the change in clinical assessment scores (i.e., Dizziness Handicap Inventory [DHI], Dizziness Catastrophizing Scale) at approximately 8 months follow‐up between those who did (INaP+) and did not receive INaP (INaP−). Data from 229 patients with dizziness or imbalance referred to an interdisciplinary neurotology clinic in Toronto, Ontario, Canada were acquired from August 2012 to December 2016 and January 2011 to December 2013 for the INaP+ and INaP− groups, respectively.

Results

A mean group difference in the percentage change in DHI scores was found, with greater reductions in dizziness‐related disability in the INaP+ group (n = 121) versus the INaP− group (n = 108). This remained significant after controlling for age, gender, baseline illness severity, and duration between baseline and follow‐up visits.

Conclusions

The novel interdisciplinary approach of incorporating INaP appears to be more effective than interdisciplinary care without INaP in reducing dizziness‐related disability in patients with chronic dizziness or imbalance. Clinical settings should consider the addition of INaP to achieve better patient outcomes. Future studies are required to test the hypothesis that INaP is more efficient and cost‐effective than the traditional model of care.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 130:1800–1804, 2020
Double Hydrophilic Poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐Poly(dehydroalanine) Block Copolymers: Comparison of Two Different Synthetic Routes
Authors: Max Johannes B. , Mons Peter J. , Tom Jessica C. , Schacher Felix H.
Published: November 2019

Two different synthetic pathways give access to the amphiphilic block copolymer poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐poly(tert‐butoxycarbonylaminomethylacrylate). In the first approach, two end‐functionalized segments are linked via click chemistry; and in the second approach, a poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) based macroinitiator is chain extended via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). In both cases the linking unit consists of an amide group, which is necessary to effectively deprotect the corresponding polymer precursor without cleavage of both segments. For this, amide‐containing ATRP initiators are employed and successful synthesis by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) analyses before comparing both pathways is demonstrated. After deprotection, a novel double hydrophilic block copolymer, poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐poly(dehydroalanine), is obtained, which is investigated using SEC (aqueous and DMSO) and 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. Containing a potentially zwitterionic PDha segment and a high density of both amino and carboxylic groups, pH‐dependent aggregation of the block copolymer is expected and is studied using dynamic light scattering, revealing interesting solution properties. The corresponding polymers are applied in various areas including drug delivery systems or in biomineralization.
Biofilm formation and prevalence of adhesion genes among Staphylococcus aureus isolates from different food sources
Authors: Chen Qi , Xie Sangma , Lou Xiuqin , Cheng Shi , Liu Xiaodong , Zheng Wei , Zheng Zhibei , Wang Haoqiu
Published: November 2019

To assess biofilm formation ability and identify differences in the prevalence of genes involved in biofilm formation among Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from different food samples, the ability of biofilm formation among 97 S. aureus strains was evaluated using a colorimetric microtiter plate assay. Thirteen genes encoding microbial surface components recognizing adhesive matrix molecules, and the intracellular adhesion genes were detected by PCR using specific primers. Approximately 72% of the isolates produced biofilms. Among these isolates, 54.64% were weak biofilm producers, while 14.43% and 3.09% produced moderate and strong biofilms, respectively. The icaADBC, clfA/B, cidA, and fib genes were detected in all the S. aureus strains, whereas the bap gene was not present in any of the strains. The occurrence of other adhesin genes varied greatly between biofilm‐producing and nonbiofilm‐producing strains. However, a significant difference was observed between these two groups with respect to the fnbpB, cna, ebps, and sdrC genes. No obvious evidence was found to support the link between PFGE strain typing and the capacity for biofilm formation. Considerable variation in biofilm formation ability was observed among S. aureus strains isolated from food samples. The prevalence of adhesin‐encoding genes also varied greatly within strains. This study highlights the importance of biofilm formation and the adhesins of S. aureus strains in food samples.
A miniaturized high selectivity band‐pass filter using a dual‐mode patch resonator with two pairs of slots
Authors: Zhao Fang‐Li , Weng Min‐Hang , Tsai Chin‐Yi , Yang Ru‐Yuan , Lai Hong‐Zheng , Liu Shih‐Kun
Published: November 2019

This article proposes a design of miniaturized high selectivity band‐pass filter by using a dual‐mode patch resonator with two pairs of uniform slots set in the four corners. The effect of the pairs of the slots on the resonant modes of the square patch resonator is investigated first. For filter design, the slots set in the four corners of the patch resonator are provided as the perturbation elements to tune the resonant modes and thus form the filter response. The pairs of the slots reduce the fundamental resonant frequency and thus miniaturize the filter size. The designed filter is simulated and measured at 1.95 GHz for the fifth generation applications with narrow bandwidth. High band selectivity is obtained due to the creation of transmission zeros near the passband edges. The filter performances are measured by network analyzer and the results are discussed.