bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meticulous Doxorubicin Release from pH‐Responsive Nanoparticles Entrapped within an Injectable Thermoresponsive Depot
Authors: Yu Huayang , Ingram Nicola , Rowley Jason V. , Green David C. , Thornton Paul D.
Published: April 2020

The dual stimuli‐controlled release of doxorubicin from gel‐embedded nanoparticles is reported. Non‐cytotoxic polymer nanoparticles are formed from poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(benzyl glutamate) that, uniquely, contain a central ester link. This connection renders the nanoparticles pH‐responsive, enabling extensive doxorubicin release in acidic solutions (pH 6.5), but not in solutions of physiological pH (pH 7.4). Doxorubicin‐loaded nanoparticles were found to be stable for at least 31 days and lethal against the three breast cancer cell lines tested. Furthermore, doxorubicin‐loaded nanoparticles could be incorporated within a thermoresponsive poly(2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate) gel depot, which forms immediately upon injection of poly(2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate) in dimethyl sulfoxide solution into aqueous solution. The combination of the poly(2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate) gel and poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(benzyl glutamate) nanoparticles yields an injectable doxorubicin delivery system that facilities near‐complete drug release when maintained at elevated temperatures (37 °C) in acidic solution (pH 6.5). In contrast, negligible payload release occurs when the material is stored at room temperature in non‐acidic solution (pH 7.4). The system has great potential as a vehicle for the prolonged, site‐specific release of chemotherapeutics.
Toward Understanding the Enhanced Pseudocapacitive Storage in 3D SnS/MXene Architectures Enabled by Engineered Surface Reactions
Authors: Qin Jinwen , Hao Linlin , Wang Xin , Jiang Yan , Xie Xi , Yang Rui , Cao Minhua
Published: April 2020

The optimization of three‐dimensional (3D) MXene‐based electrodes with desired electrochemical performances is highly demanded. Here, a precursor‐guided strategy is reported for fabricating the 3D SnS/MXene architecture with tiny SnS nanocrystals (≈5 nm in size) covalently decorated on the wrinkled Ti3C2Tx nanosheets through Ti−S bonds (denoted as SnS/Ti3C2Tx‐O). The formation of Ti−S bonds between SnS and Ti3C2Tx was confirmed by extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS). Rather than bulky SnS plates decorated on Ti3C2Tx (SnS/Ti3C2Tx‐H) by one‐step hydrothermal sulfidation followed by post annealing, this SnS/Ti3C2Tx‐O presents size‐dependent structural and dynamic properties. The as‐formed 3D hierarchical structure can provide short ion‐diffusion pathways and electron transport distances because of the more accessible surface sites. In addition, benefiting from the tiny SnS nanocrystals that can effectively improve Na+ diffusion and suppress structural variation upon charge/discharge processes, the as‐obtained SnS/Ti3C2Tx‐O can generate pseudocapacitance‐dominated storage behavior enabled by engineered surface reactions. As predicted, this electrode exhibits an enhanced Na storage capacity of 565 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 75 cycles, outperforming SnS/Ti3C2Tx‐H (336 mAh g−1), SnS (212 mAh g−1), and Ti3C2Tx (104 mAh g−1) electrodes.
Shape‐Selective Targeting on RNA Bulges by Peptidomimetic Metallohelices
Authors: Malina Jaroslav , Scott Peter , Brabec Viktor
Published: April 2020

RNA bulges represent one of the most common motifs in the RNA secondary structure and serve in a variety of biological functions. Compounds stabilizing RNA bulges are important for probing RNA structure and function and for therapy of some diseases. Here, the ability of a series of enantiomeric pairs of optically pure bimetallic metallohelices with different flexible linkers to target various RNA bulges is investigated. The results show that binding affinities of the metallohelices to bulged RNA differ and strongly depend on the size of the bulge and the base composition of the bulge loop. Notably, the shorter, more compact, and less flexible metallohelices bind to RNA bulges most efficiently and selectively. Interestingly, the ability of the metallohelices to bind to RNA bulges correlates with their previously reported antimicrobial activity, which suggests that the selective recognition of bulged regions in RNA by the metallohelices might also contribute to their biological activity.
Evolution of High‐Valent Nickela‐Electrocatalyzed C−H Activation: From Cross(‐Electrophile)‐Couplings to Electrooxidative C−H Transformations
Authors: Zhang Shou‐Kun , Samanta Ramesh C. , Del Vecchio Antonio , Ackermann Lutz
Published: April 2020

C−H activation has emerged as one of the most efficient tools for the formation of carbon–carbon and carbon–heteroatom bonds, avoiding the use of prefunctionalized materials. In spite of tremendous progress in the field, stoichiometric quantities of toxic and/or costly chemical redox reagents, such as silver(I) or copper(II) salts, are largely required for oxidative C−H activations. Recently, electrosynthesis has experienced a remarkable renaissance that enables the use of storable, safe and waste‐free electric current as a redox equivalent. While major recent momentum was gained in electrocatalyzed C−H activations by 4d and 5d metals, user‐friendly and inexpensive nickela‐electrocatalysis has until recently proven elusive for oxidative C−H activations. Herein, the early developments of nickela‐electrocatalyzed reductive cross‐electrophile couplings as well as net‐redox‐neutral cross‐couplings are first introduced. The focus of this Minireview is, however, the recent emergence of nickel‐catalyzed electrooxidative C−H activations until April 2020.
Modulation of Self‐Separating Molecular Catalysts for Highly Efficient Biomass Transformations
Authors: Lian Lifei , Chen Xiang , Yi Xianfeng , Liu Yubing , Chen Wei , Zheng Anmin , Miras Haralampos N. , Song Yu‐Fei
Published: April 2020

The energetically viable fabrication of stable and highly efficient solid acid catalysts is one of the key steps in large‐scale transformation processes of biomass resources. Herein, the covalent modification of the classical Dawson polyoxometalate (POMs) with sulfonic acids (‐SO3H) is reported by grafting sulfonic acid groups on the POM's surface followed by oxidation of (3‐mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane. The acidity of TBA6‐P2W17‐SO3H (TBA=tetrabutyl ammonium) has been demonstrated by using 31P NMR spectroscopy, clearly indicating the presence of strong Brønsted acid sites. The presence of TBA counterions renders the solid acid catalyst as a promising candidate for phase transfer catalytic processes. The TBA6‐P2W17‐SO3H shows remarkable activity and selectivity, excellent stability, and great substrate compatibility for the esterification of free fatty acids (FFA) with methanol and conversion into biodiesel at 70 °C with >98 % conversion of oleic acid in 20 min. The excellent catalytic performance can be attributed to the formation of a catalytically active emulsion, which results in a uniform catalytic behavior during the reaction, leading to efficient interaction between the substrate and the active sites of the catalyst. Most importantly, the catalyst can be easily recovered and reused without any loss of its catalytic activity owing to its excellent phase transfer properties. This work offers an efficient and cost‐effective strategy for large‐scale biomass conversion applications.
Nanoscale Organolanthanum Clusters: Nuclearity‐Directing Role of Cyclopentadienyl and Halogenido Ligands
Authors: Buschmann Dennis A. , Dietrich H. Martin , Schneider David , Birkelbach Verena M. , Stuhl Christoph , Törnroos Karl W. , Maichle‐Mössmer Cäcilia , Anwander Reiner
Published: April 2020

Tetramethylaluminato/halogenido(X) ligand exchange reactions in half‐sandwich complexes [CpRLa(AlMe4)2] are feasible in non‐coordinating solvents and provide access to large coordination clusters of the type [CpRLaX2]x. Incomplete exchange reactions generate the hexalanthanum clusters [CpR6La6X8(AlMe4)4] (CpR=Cp*=C5Me5, X=I; CpR=Cp′=C5H4SiMe3, X=Br, I). Treatment of [Cp*La(AlMe4)2] with two equivalents Me3SiI gave the nonalanthanum cluster [Cp*LaI2]9, while the exhaustive reaction of [Cp′La(AlMe4)2] with the halogenido transfer reagents Me3GeX and Me3SiX (X=I, Br, Cl) produced a series of monocyclopentadienyl rare‐earth‐metal clusters with distinct nuclearity. Depending on the halogenido ion size the homometallic clusters [Cp′LaCl2]10 and [Cp′LaX2]12 (X=Br, I) could be isolated, whereas different crystallization techniques led to the aggregation of clusters of distinct structural motifs, including the desilylated cyclopentadienyl‐bridged cluster [(μ‐Cp)2Cp′8La8I14] and the heteroaluminato derivative [Cp′10La10Br18(AlBr2Me2)2]. The use of the Cp′ ancillary ligand facilitates cluster characterization by means of NMR spectroscopy.
Coordination Dynamics of Zinc Triggers the Rate Determining Proton Transfer in Human Carbonic Anhydrase II
Authors: Paul Tanmoy Kumar , Taraphder Srabani
Published: April 2020

We present, for the first time, how transient changes in the coordination number of zinc ion affects the rate determining step in the enzyme human carbonic anhydrase (HCA) II. The latter involves an intramolecular proton transfer between a zinc‐bound water and a distant histidine residue (His‐64). In the absence of time‐resolved experiments, results from classical and QM‐MM molecular dynamics and transition path sampling simulations are presented. The catalytic zinc ion is found to be present in two possible coordination states; viz. a stable tetra‐coordinated state, T and a less stable penta‐coordinated state, P with tetrahedral and trigonal bipyramidal coordination geometries, respectively. A fast dynamical inter‐conversion occurs between T and P due to reorganization of active site water molecules making the zinc ion more positively charged in state P. When initiated from different coordination environments, the most probable mechanism of proton transfer is found to be deprotonation of the equatorial water molecule from state P and transfer of the excess proton via a short path formed by hydrogen bonded network of active site water molecules. We estimate the rate constant of proton transfer as
from P and
from T. A quantitative match of estimated kP with the experimental value, (
) suggests that dynamics of Zn coordination triggers the rate determining proton transfer step in HCA II.
Assessing the Viability of the Methylsulfinyl Radical‐Ozone Reaction
Authors: Estep Marissa L. , Moore Kevin B. , Schaefer H. F.
Published: April 2020

Although integral to remote marine atmospheric sulfur chemistry, the reaction between methylsulfinyl radical (CH3SO) and ozone poses challenges to theoretical treatments. The lone theoretical study on this reaction reported an unphysically large barrier of 66 kcal mol−1 for abstraction of an oxygen atom from O3 by CH3SO. Herein, we demonstrate that this result stems from improper use of MP2 with a single‐reference, unrestricted Hartree‐Fock (UHF) wavefunction. We characterized the potential energy surface using density functional theory (DFT), as well as multireference methodologies employing a complete active‐space self‐consistent field (CASSCF) reference. Our DFT PES shows, in contrast to previous work, that the reaction proceeds by forming an addition adduct [CH3S(O3)O] in a deep potential well of 37 kcal mol−1. An O−O bond of this adduct dissociates via a flat, low barrier of 1 kcal mol−1 to give CH3SO2+O2. The multireference computations show that the initial addition of CH3SO+O3 is barrierless. These results provide a more physically intuitive and accurate picture of this reaction than the previous theoretical study. In addition, our results imply that the CH3SO2 formed in this reaction can readily decompose to give SO2 as a major product, in alignment with the literature on CH3SO reactions.
Self‐Supported 3 D Ultrathin Cobalt–Nickel–Boron Nanoflakes as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Yuan Hefeng , Wei Shiwei , Tang Bin , Ma Zizai , Li Jinping , Kundu Manab , Wang Xiaoguang
Published: April 2020

The development of highly active and efficient nonprecious‐metal electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction is important for the design of renewable energy production and storage devices. In this work, highly dense, ultrathin Co–Ni boride nanoflakes supported on a 3 D CoNi skeleton are fabricated in situ by a simple one‐step, high‐temperature, solid‐state boronation process. As a result of the induced high electroactive surface area and low charge transfer resistance, CoNiB‐700 exhibits high catalytic activity at an overpotential of 262 (η10) and 284 mV (η20) to deliver current densities of 10 and 20 mA cm−2, respectively, with a Tafel slope of 58 mV dec−1 in an alkaline medium towards the oxygen evolution reaction. DFT calculations show that the Ni‐regulated Co–B compound has a lower rate‐determining energy barrier for the *OOH intermediate than the mono‐Co–B compound, which facilitates the production of more active catalytic sites for an accelerated surface charge‐transfer process for the oxygen evolution reaction.
Performance of Sulfonated Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)/Graphene Oxide Polyelectrolytes for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
Authors: Gil-Castell Oscar , Santiago Óscar , Pascual-Jose Borja , Navarro Emilio , Leo Teresa J. , Ribes-Greus Amparo
Published: April 2020

The use of nanotechnology along with the consideration of a functionalization and stabilization approach to poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is considered useful for the preparation of cost‐effective polyelectrolyte membranes. A set of nanocomposite and crosslinked membranes based on PVA/sulfosuccinic acid (SSA)/graphene oxide (GO) are prepared and analyzed as polyelectrolytes in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). The crosslinking and sulfonation by the use of SSA enhances the stability and increase the proton‐conducting sites in the PVA structure. The presence of GO augments the stability, remarkably decreases the methanol crossover, and enhances power density curves. An optimum value for proton conductivity is found for the 0.50 wt% of GO proportion, which decreases with higher concentrations of GO. Given the power density curve dependency on both the proton conductivity and the crossover reduction, the performance of these membranes as polyelectrolytes in DMFCs is strictly related to the balance between both factors. Therefore, a proportion of GO of 0.75 wt% may assure suitable proton conductivity of 3 mS cm−1 and high resistance to methanol permeability, reaching promising power density of 16 mW cm−2 with lower hydration levels.
An improved third‐order finite difference weighted essentially nonoscillatory scheme for hyperbolic conservation laws
Authors: Li Guodong , Li Xiaogang , Li Pengfen , Cai Dandan
Published: April 2020

In this article, we present an improved third‐order finite difference weighted essentially nonoscillatory (WENO) scheme to promote the order of convergence at critical points for the hyperbolic conservation laws. The improved WENO scheme is an extension of WENO‐ZQ scheme. However, the global smoothness indicator has a little different from WENO‐ZQ scheme. In this follow‐up article, a convex combination of a second‐degree polynomial with two linear polynomials in a traditional WENO fashion is used to compute the numerical flux at cell boundary. Although the same three‐point information is adopted by the improved third‐order WENO scheme, the truncation errors are smaller than some other third‐order WENO schemes in L∞ and L2 norms. Especially, the convergence order is not declined at critical points, where the first and second derivatives vanish but not the third derivative. At last, the behavior of improved scheme is proved on a variety of one‐ and two‐dimensional standard numerical examples. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed scheme gives better performance in comparison with other third‐order WENO schemes.
A Telephone and Mail Outreach Program Successfully Increases Uptake of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance
Authors: Aby Elizabeth S. , Winters Adam C. , Lin Jonathan , Bui Aileen , Kawamoto Jenna , Goetz Matthew B. , Bhattacharya Debika , Pisegna Joseph R. , May Folasade P. , Patel Arpan A. , Benhammou Jihane N.
Published: April 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Society guidelines recommend surveillance with abdominal ultrasound with or without serum alpha‐fetoprotein every 6 months for adults at increased risk of developing HCC. However, adherence is often suboptimal. We assessed the feasibility of a coordinated telephone outreach program for unscreened patients with cirrhosis within the Veteran’s Affairs (VA) health care system. Using a patient care dashboard of advanced chronic liver disease in the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, we identified veterans with a diagnosis of cirrhosis, a platelet count ≤ 150,000/uL, and no documented HCC surveillance in the previous 8 months. Eligible veterans received a telephone call from a patient navigator to describe the risks and benefits of HCC surveillance. Orders for an abdominal ultrasound and alpha‐fetoprotein were placed for veterans who agreed to surveillance. Veterans who were not reached by telephone received an informational letter by mail to encourage participation. Of the 129 veterans who met the eligibility criteria, most were male (96.9%). The most common etiology for cirrhosis was hepatitis C (64.3%), and most of the patients had compensated cirrhosis (68.2%). The patient navigators reached 32.5% of patients by phone. Patients in each group were similar across clinical and demographic characteristics. Patients who were called were more likely to undergo surveillance (adjusted odds ratio = 2.56, 95% confidence interval: 1.03‐6.33). Most of the patients (72.1%) completed abdominal imaging when reached by phone. Conclusion: Targeted outreach increased uptake of HCC surveillance among patients with cirrhosis in a large, integrated, VA health care system.
Comparison of different imaging modalities for the quantification of tricuspid valve geometry and regurgitation: a retrospective, single‐center study
Authors: Öztürk Can , Schueler Robert , Weber Marcel , Nickenig Georg , Hammerstingl Christoph
Published: April 2020

Background and Aims

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a frequent valvular heart disease with relevant adverse impact on patients' prognosis. Adequate TR imaging and evaluation is challenging. In this study, we aimed to compare different imaging modalities (echocardiography and multi‐slice computed tomography) for the assessment of tricuspid valve (TV) function and geometry.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated patients that presented to University Hospital Bonn, Germany, between September 2018 and March 2019, who underwent comprehensive echocardiography and multi‐slice computed tomography (MSCT) to evaluate TR. MSCT was considered the reference approach for dimensional assessment of TV anatomy and echocardiography (transthoracic echocardiography + transesophageal echocardiography) for functional assessment of TV. We used Spearman's Rank order correlation, Bland‐Altman analysis, and intra‐class correlation to compare the different imaging modalities.

Results

Forty patients (Mean Age ± SD: 77.5 ± 7.1 years; 35% female) with high grade TR (effective regurgitant orifice area, EROA: 0.49 ± 0.3 cm2, RegVol: 49.5 ± 13.4 mL) were included. There was a statistically significant but moderate correlation between 2D‐TEE and MSCT for anteroposterior (AP) (r = 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.44‐0.93, P = .05; intraclass correlation [ICC]: 0.77, P = .03) and septolateral (SL) diameters (r = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.33‐0.93, P = .03; ICC = 0.76, P = .05). MSCT and 3D‐TEE showed a strong correlation for determination of TV annulus area (r = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.57‐0.98, P = .002; ICC = 0.95, P = .4), perimeter (r = 0.9, 95% CI: 0.6‐0.98, P = .002; ICC = 0.97, P = .3) and diameters (AP‐Diameter: r = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.06‐0.94, P = .03; ICC = 0.83, P = .09; SL‐Diameter: r = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.47‐0.97, P = .02; ICC = 0.95, P = .1). Only 3D‐TEE allowed for direct measurement of planimetric EROA, which exhibited a significant difference from calculated EROA (0.49 ± 0.4 cm2, 0.67 ± 0.17 cm2, P = .05; r = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.5 to 0.99, P = .006). According to Bland‐Altman analysis, we found a relevant agreement between MSCT and 3D‐TEE only for TV area (bias: −1.95, 95% limits of agreement −3.6 to −0.1).

Conclusion

Only 3D‐TEE allowed for sufficient simultaneous functional and dimensional assessment of TR in our cohort.
Development in canal lining technology in China
Authors: Ding Kunlun , Gao Lihui
Published: April 2020

Canal seepage control is important not only to reduce the canal seepage loss rate, but also to prevent erosion, deposition and collapse of canals and control the surrounding groundwater level, which is taken seriously by the governments. This study reviews the history of canal seepage control in China, introduces the canal lining technologies, concludes the canal lining construction problems and points out the further study fields of seepage control in canals. With the enhancement of environmental protection consciousness, seepage control engineering is confronted with new opportunities and challenges, especially the ecological canals, of which the relative technologies need to be deeply studied.
Skeletal Changes After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Osteopetrosis
Authors: Shapiro Galina , Fishleder Jorge , Stepensky Polina , Simanovsky Naum , Goldman Vladimir , Lamdan Ron
Published: April 2020

Osteopetrosis is a rare skeletal dysplasia resulting from an osteoclast defect leading to increased bone mass and density. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation can rescue the disease phenotype and prevent complications. However, little is known about the skeletal changes hematopoietic stem cell transplantation induces in patients with this disease. The purpose of this study was to describe the skeletal changes after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a retrospective cohort of patients diagnosed with osteopetrosis in one medical center over 13 years. For this purpose, all available epidemiological, hematological, biochemical, and radiographic data were collected and quantitatively analyzed. We found a significant early change in bone metabolism markers coinciding with hematopoietic recovery after stem cell transplantation. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation induced a later significant improvement in both skeletal mineral distribution and morphology but did not lead to complete radiological normalization. Presumably, changes in bone metabolism, skeletal mineral distribution, and morphology were the result of renewed osteoclast function enabling bone remodeling. We propose that biochemical bone metabolism markers and radiological indices be routinely used to evaluate response to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with osteopetrosis. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Bifid iliopsoas tendon as a cause for internal snapping hip syndrome: A case report
Authors: Liebeskind Bernard , Olinger Kristen
Published: April 2020

Snapping hip syndrome, or coxa saltans, can result in significant clinical manifestations in patients including pain and limited mobility. A variety of both intra‐ and extra‐articular pathologies have been implicated in snapping hip, including an anatomic variant known as the bifid iliopsoas tendon which has been briefly described in the literature. We report a case of a bifid iliopsoas tendon leading to internal snapping hip syndrome which was ultimately successfully treated with surgical release, including review of the clinical presentation, pathophysiology, and dynamic sonographic findings.
Results from a difference‐in‐differences evaluation of health facility HIV and key population stigma‐reduction interventions in Ghana
Authors: Nyblade Laura , Addo Nii A , Atuahene Kyeremeh , Alsoufi Nabil , Gyamera Emma , Jacinthe Suzie , Leonard Madeline , Mingkwan Pia , Stewart Christin , Vormawor Richard , Kraemer John D
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Stigma undermines all aspects of a comprehensive HIV response, as reflected in recent global initiatives for stigma‐reduction. Yet a commensurate response to systematically tackle stigma within country responses has not yet occurred, which may be due to the lack of sufficient evidence documenting evaluated stigma‐reduction interventions. With stigma present in all life spheres, health facilities offer a logical starting point for developing and expanding stigma reduction interventions. This study evaluates the impact of a “total facility” stigma‐reduction intervention on the drivers and manifestations of stigma and discrimination among health facility staff in Ghana.

Methods

We evaluated the impact of a total facility stigma‐reduction intervention by comparing five intervention to five comparable non‐intervention health facilities in Ghana. Interventions began in September 2017. Data collection was in June 2017 and April 2018. The primary outcomes were composite indicators for three stigma drivers, self‐reported stigmatizing avoidance behaviour, and observed discrimination. The principal intervention variable was whether the respondent worked at an intervention or comparison facility. We estimated intervention effects as differences‐in‐differences in each outcome, further adjusted using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW).

Results

We observed favourable intervention effects for all outcome domains except for stigmatizing attitudes. Preferring not to provide services to people living with HIV (PLHIV) or a key population member improved 11.1% more in intervention than comparison facility respondents (95% CI 3.2 to 19.0). Other significant improvements included knowledge of policies to protect against discrimination (difference‐in‐differences = 20.4%; 95% CI 12.7 to 28.0); belief that discrimination would be punished (11.2%; 95% CI 0.2 to 22.3); and knowledge of and belief in the adequacy of infection control policies (17.6%; 95% CI 8.3 to 26.9). Reported observation of stigma and discrimination incidents fell by 7.4 percentage points more among intervention than comparison facility respondents, though only marginally significant in the IPTW‐adjusted model (p = 0.06). Respondents at intervention facilities were 19.0% (95% CI 12.2 to 25.8) more likely to report that staff behaviour towards PLHIV had improved over the last year than those at comparison facilities.

Conclusions

These results provide a foundation for scaling up health facility stigma‐reduction within national HIV responses, though they should be accompanied by rigorous implementation science to ensure ongoing learning and adaptation for maximum effectiveness and long‐term impact.
Further evidence on the relationship between abdominal aortic aneurysm and periodontitis: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Salhi Leila , Sakalihasan Natzi , Okroglic Ambre Gau , Labropoulos Nicos , Seidel Laurence , Albert Adelin , Teughels Wim , Defraigne Jean‐Olivier , Lambert France
Published: April 2020

Background

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by Gram‐negative bacteria responsible for the degradation of tissues surrounding tooth. Moreover, periopathogens can invade the bloodstream, disseminate and promote cardiovascular disease, such as the link between Porphyromonas gingivalis and atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between the severity of periodontitis and of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

Methods

This cross‐sectional study compared patients with stable AAA (n = 30) and patients with unstable AAA (n = 31) based on aortic diameter, growth rate, and eligibility for surgical intervention. Periodontal clinical parameters were recorded as well as the Periodontal Inflamed Surface Area and the Periodontal Index for Risk of Infectiousness (PIRI). Microbiological analyses were performed on saliva and supragingival and subgingival plaque. Quantification of Tannerella forsythia (Tf), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), and Prevotella intermedia (Pi) was done by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The two AAA groups were homogeneous for age, sex, and most risk factors except hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Periodontal parameters were comparable but the proportion of patients with high PIRI scores was greater in those with unstable AAA (51.6% versus 23.3%). The probing depth (PD) and the proportion of PD >6 mm were positively correlated with AAA size and thrombus volume. Several associations were found between periopathogens such as Pg and AAA diameters and volumes, but no difference could be evidenced between stable and unstable AAA groups.

Conclusions

Periodontitis was highly prevalent in both stable and unstable AAA patients. Severe and progressive periodontitis (stage IV and grade C) tended to be more frequent in the group of patients with unstable AAA. Moreover, Pg was observed in all the samples (saliva, supragingival, and subgingival plaque) and was correlated with AAA diameters and volumes. The study evidenced potential relationships between periodontitis severity and size of AAA.
Identifying the accidental‐natural mortality of leporids in the archaeological record: insights from a taphonomical analysis of a pitfall without evidence of human presence
Authors: Pelletier Maxime , Desclaux Emmanuel , Mallye Jean‐Baptiste , CrÉgut‐Bonnoure Evelyne
Published: April 2020

Leporids (Lagomorpha, Mammalia), especially the mountain hare (Lepus timidus) and the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), have been among the most abundant small game in western Europe since the Pleistocene. These animals are preferred prey for more than 40 predators, which increases the chances of finding their skeletal remains at archaeological or natural sites, and in particular karstic formations alternately occupied by Palaeolithic human societies and other predators. Moreover, specific eco‐ethological characteristics for both species also offer the possibility to produce a substantial quantity of their bones accumulated by natural mortality without predation, making it more difficult to identify their origin in the fossil record. Despite this fact, the taphonomic signature of accidental‐natural accumulations of leporids in karsts, such as pitfalls, has never been properly characterised. In order to address these issues, we carried out a detailed taphonomic study of leporid remains in a pitfall without any evidence of human activity, namely at Coulet des Roches (Monieux, Vaucluse, south‐eastern France). At this site, leporids are the most abundant species throughout the Last Glacial Maximum sedimentary sequence. The bone accumulation was analysed in order to determine the most relevant criteria to identify a natural accumulation that results from the accidental fall of individuals in the pitfall. The relative proportions of each species are consistent with their current ethology, and their mortality profiles are compatible with the structure of a living natural population. The completeness rate of the different skeletal portions for both species is relatively high, bones are less fragmented and, unlike what might be expected, very few anatomical connections were preserved. The observed anatomical representation, breakage, and bone surface modification patterns are discussed and compared with available data concerning accumulations with predation. Taken together, the identified criteria contribute valuable help in the recognition of accidental mortality in the fossil record, as well as to evaluate the proportion of leporid bones accumulated naturally and those accumulated by predation, human or not, in a deposit.
Simultaneous determination of terpenes and cannabidiol in hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) by fast gas chromatography with flame ionization detection
Authors: Bakro Fatema , Jedryczka Malgorzata , Wielgusz Katarzyna , Sgorbini Barbara , Inchingolo Raffaella , Cardenia Vladimiro
Published: April 2020

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) has become widely used in several sectors due to the presence of various bioactive compounds such as terpenes and cannabidiol. In general, terpenes and cannabidiol content is determined separately, which is time consuming. Thus, a fast gas chromatography with flame ionization detection method was validated for simultaneous determination of both terpenes and cannabidiol in hemp. The method enabled a rapid detection of 29 different terpenes and cannabidiol within a total analysis time of 16 min, with satisfactory sensitivity (limit of detection = 0.03–0.27 µg/mL, limit of quantitation = 0.10–0.89 µg/mL). The inter‐ and intraday precision (RSD) was <7.82 and <3.59%, respectively. Recoveries at two spiked concentration levels (low, 3.15 µg/mL; high, 20.0 µg/mL) were determined on both apical leaves (78.55–101.52%) and inflorescences (77.52–107.10%). The reproducibility (RSD) was <5.94 and <5.51% in apical leaves and inflorescences, respectively. The proposed and validated method is highly sensitive, robust, fast, and accurate for determination of the main terpenes and cannabidiol in hemp and could be routinely used for quality control.
The Nasal Swell Body and Septal Perforation Repair
Authors: Ghorab Saba , Taylor Cullen M. , Bansberg Stephen F.
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To review our experience with secondary surgery for persistent nasal obstruction following successful septal perforation repair and describe the potential contribution of the nasal swell body (NSB) to obstruction.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

IRB‐approved retrospective chart review of perforation repairs utilizing bilateral mucosal flaps performed by the senior author from October 2008 through April 2019 was performed. Patients who underwent secondary surgery for persistent nasal obstruction were identified. Data regarding patient demographics, perforation characteristics, primary closure technique, and secondary surgical procedures for persistent postoperative obstruction were analyzed. Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scores were assessed pre and post revision surgery.

Results

Thirty‐four patients (14.7% of 232 successful repairs) met study criteria. Of those, 30 patients underwent revision septal surgery. An inferiorly advanced NSB was surgically reduced in 9.9% (23/232) of patients following successful closure to improve persistent obstruction. There was no incidence of reperforation. All patients undergoing NSB reduction reported improved nasal airflow postoperatively and 13 completed the NOSE questionnaire. The mean preoperative NOSE score (95% CI) was 52.7 (42.2–63.2; median, 50). The mean postoperative NOSE score (95% CI) was 19.2 (12.8–25.6; median, 15). The difference between the preoperative and postoperative NOSE scores was statistically significant (P< .001).

Conclusions

Repair of a septal perforation using a superior bipedicle flap carries the potential for the NSB to contribute to persistent postoperative nasal obstruction. The swell body can be surgically reduced, without re‐perforation, to relieve obstructive symptoms in the patient with a successful perforation repair.

Level of Evidence

IVLaryngoscope, 2020
Reproducible and Bendable SERS Substrates with Tailored Wettability Using Block Copolymers and Anodic Aluminum Oxide Templates
Authors: Lin Yu‐Liang , Karapala Vamsi Krishna , Shen Ming‐Hui , Chen Yi‐Fan , He Hung‐Chieh , Chang Chia‐Jui , Chang Yu‐Ching , Lu Tien‐Chang , Liau Ian , Chen Jiun‐Tai
Published: April 2020

Surface properties are essential for substrates exhibiting high sensitivity in surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) applications. In this work, novel SERS hybrid substrates using polystyrene‐block‐poly(methyl methacrylate) and anodic aluminum oxide templates is presented. The hybrid substrates not only possess hierarchical porous nanostructures but also exhibit superhydrophilic surface properties with the water contact angle ≈0°. Such surfaces play an important role in providing uniform enhanced intensities over large areas (relative standard deviation ≈10%); moreover, these substrates are found to be highly sensitive (limit of detection ≈10−12 m for rhodamine 6G (R6G)). The results show that the hybrid SERS substrates can achieve the simultaneous detection of multicomponent mixtures of different target molecules, such as R6G, crystal violet, and methylene blue. Furthermore, the bending experiments show that about 70% of the SERS intensities are maintained after bending from ≈30° to 150°.
Patient perspectives on variant reclassification after cancer susceptibility testing
Authors: Halverson Colin M. E. , Connors Laurie M. , Wessinger Bronson C. , Clayton Ellen W. , Wiesner Georgia L.
Published: April 2020

Background

Little is known about the impact of reclassification on patients’ perception of medical uncertainty or trust in genetics‐based clinical care.

Methods

Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with 20 patients who had received a reclassified genetic test result related to hereditary cancer. All participants had undergone genetic counseling and testing for cancer susceptibility at Vanderbilt‐Ingram Cancer Center Hereditary Cancer Clinic within the last six years.

Results

Most of the participants did not express distress related to the variant reclassification and only a minority expressed a decrease in trust in medical genetics. However, recall of the new interpretation was limited, even though all participants were recontacted by letter, phone, or clinic visit.

Conclusion

Reclassification of genetic tests is an important issue in modern healthcare because changes in interpretation have the potential to alter previously recommended management. Participants in this study did not express strong feelings of mistrust or doubt about their genetic evaluation. However, there was a low level of comprehension and information retention related to the updated report. Future research can build on this study to improve communication with patients about their reclassified results.
A smoothed particle hydrodynamics modelling of soil–water mixing and resulting changes in average strength
Authors: Zhang Wangcheng , Randolph Mark F.
Published: April 2020

Soil–water interaction is a pivotal process in many underwater geohazards such as underwater landslides where soil sediments gradually evolve into turbidity currents after interactions with ambient water. Due to the large deformations, multiphase interactions and phase changes this involves, investigations from numerical modelling of the transition process have been limited so far. This study explores a simple numerical replication of such soil–water mixing with respect to changes in average strength using smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH). A uniform viscoplastic model is used for both the solid‐like and fluid‐like SPH particles. The proposed numerical solution scheme is verified by single‐phase dam break tests and multiphase simple shear tests. SPH combinations of solid‐like and fluid‐like particles can replicate the clay–water mixture as long as the liquidity index of the solid‐like particles is larger than unity. The proposed numerical scheme is shown to capture key features of an underwater landslide such as hydroplaning, water entrainment and wave generation and thus shows promise as a tool to simulate the whole process of subaquatic geohazards involving solid–fluid transition during mass transport.
The determinants and interrelationship of carbon emissions and economic growth in African economies: Fresh insights from static and dynamic models
Authors: Nathaniel Solomon , Barua Suborna , Hussain Hamid , Adeleye Ngozi
Published: April 2020

This study explores the interrelationship between CO2emissions and economic growth in selected Africa economies from 1990 to 2014 providing evidence from both static and dynamic models. Results show that increases in energy use have a significant and positive effect on economic growth; which goes to show that growth in Africa is actually energy dependent. Further findings suggest that CO2emissions have no significant contemporaneous effect, however, a significant and negative effect at a one‐period lag on economic growth. The significance of the impacts is consistently confirmed by both the static and dynamic estimations. Also, trade adds to economic growth and also contributes to environmental deterioration in Africa. There is a dire need for Africa to adjust its energy portfolio by shifting to clean energy sources which will enhance sustainable economic growth without deteriorating the environment.
Metal activated carbon as an efficient filler for high‐density polyethylene nanocomposites
Authors: Nisar Muhammad , Thue Pascal S. , Maghous Myriam B. , Geshev Julian , Lima Eder C. , Einloft Sandra
Published: April 2020

interesting properties of magnetic nanocomposites have attracted attention of both academic and industrial researchers. In this work, thermal, mechanical, morphological, and magnetic properties of polyethylene (PE) nanocomposites were inspected using carbon‐based magnetic fillers (CNi, CCo, and CFe). The melt mixing method was employed to prepare the nanocomposites using small amounts of filler ranging up to 2 wt%. Wood sawdust pyrolysis produces carbonized material activated by Ni, Co, or Fe salts and used as filler. The structural analysis was carried out using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicating that the polymer chemical structure remains unaltered with the filler addition. Thermal stability of nanocomposites as well as the determination of metal amount in the carbon‐based fillers was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. Filler introduction enhanced the onset and the maximum degradation temperatures up to 11°C and 8°C, respectively. The crystallization and melting temperatures examined by differential scanning calorimetry remained unchanged as compared to neat PE whereas the percent crystallinity was improved up to 8%. The incorporation of the filler leads to the improvement in the elastic modulus of the polymer matrix. The addition of 2.0 wt% of the metal‐carbonized filler in the diamagnetic polymer resulted in a thermoplastic nanocomposite with ferromagnetic behavior.
Injection moldable rate stiffening re‐entrant cell arrays for wearable impact protection
Authors: Plant Daniel , Leevers Patrick
Published: April 2020

The rigid cellular materials widely used for personal impact protection can be effective but tend to be inconveniently thick, and to be less effective after a first impact. A macroscopically structured panel material, molded as a two‐dimensional matrix of re‐entrant cells, has been specifically designed and optimized for body‐worn protection. These panels are injection molded from a blend of rate‐stiffening polyborodimethylsiloxane with a thermoplastic elastomer, optimized to minimize the impact force transmitted to the anvil in standard drop‐weight tests even as monolithic slab specimens. The concurrently designed, impact‐protective molded panels offer equivalent protection in thinner, lighter, and more wearable layers. Their re‐entrant cellular structure and rate‐stiffening material allow them to conform easily to individual wearers and to allow free movement at normal rates, while offering enhanced protection under one or more impacts at the same location.
Fear of disease progression and relevant correlates in acute leukemia patients prior to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Thiele Sandra , Goebel Simone , Kröger Nicolaus , Pedersen Anya
Published: April 2020

Objective

Prior to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), and despite the high objective risks associated with HSCT, fear of progression (FoP) has only sparsely been studied in patients with acute leukemia until now. The aim of this study was the assessment of the prevalence of FoP, and any relevant correlates and typical concerns.

Methods

We included 59 adult patients with acute leukemia who were tested prior to their first HSCT during an in‐patient stay. Patients completed self‐report measures assessing FoP (Fear of Progression Questionnaire‐Short Form, FoP‐Q‐SF) and relevant correlates of FoP (eg, patients' physical state, depression, psychosocial distress, or social support).

Results

About one third of the patients (35.6%; n = 21) had high FoP. Higher FoP was associated with previous cancer diagnosis, as well as depression, anxiety, reduced physical functioning, lower mental health‐related quality of life, and lower positive social support. The greatest fears reported by these patients reflected common fears of cancer patients (eg, fear about leaving their families behind), but also specific fears related to the current situation (eg, fear of severe medical treatments during the course of the illness).

Conclusions

This was the first study providing an extensive analysis of FoP in leukemia patients prior to the extreme situation of HSCT. FoP is frequent and of major clinical importance for these patients. Hence, we recommend that patients undergo routine screening for FoP, to identify highly distressed patients at an early stage, and to offer targeted support.
Furnace for Inelastic X‐Ray Scattering from Liquids up to 1600 °C
Authors: Baron Alfred Q. R. , Inui Masanori , Ishikawa Daisuke , Matsuda Kazuhiro , Kajihara Yukio , Nakajima Yoichi , Taguchi Kazuhiko , Hattori Yasunori
Published: April 2020

The design and implementation of a furnace for inelastic X‐ray scattering from liquids with sample temperatures up to ≈1600 °C is described. Carbon composite heaters operating in vacuum provide robust heating elements: one pair of heaters has been used for >18 days of operational time above 1500 °C, including eight cycles to room temperature. High‐quality data are obtained to scattering angles as low as 7 mrad in 2θ (Q < 1 nm−1 at 25.7 keV) from a sample at 1560 °C.
Poly(vinyl alcohol) Membranes Cross‐linked with Maleic Anhydride and 2,5‐Furandicarboxylic Acid: Conventional Heating and Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Salgado‐Chavarría David , Palacios‐Alquisira Joaquín
Published: April 2020

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was cross‐linked with maleic anhydride (MA) and 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) under conventional heating (CH) and microwave irradiation (MW) to obtain different membranes of PVA/MA and PVA/FDCA modified by the cross‐linking agent concentration, reaction time and type of activation method. The influence of the latter parameters, was studied by comparing the swelling degree of the membranes, swelling kinetics, solubility parameter (δ), Flory interaction parameter (χ12), molecular weight between cross‐links (Mc) and the fractional free volume (FFV).

Conditions to cross‐link the membranes were chosen from swelling percentage tests and the samples with the lowest water uptake were characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). MW activation used from 23 to 30 minutes to cross‐link the membranes, meanwhile, conventionally heated samples were introduced in an oven for 120 min, meaning that MW activation provided high reaction yields in shorter times. For both activation methods, FTIR spectra recorded peaks in an interval of 1706–1713 cm−1, and 13C NMR presented signals from 162 to 171 ppm, meaning that carbonyl groups from esters were formed. AFM images showed that the rise in roughness was not necessarily directly proportional to the increase in the concentration of cross‐linking agent.