bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of 3 g of Ceftolozane/Tazobactam in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled, Multiple‐Dose Study
Authors: Yu Brian , Adedoyin Adedayo , Hershberger Ellie , Caro Luzelena , Xiao Alan , Rhee Elizabeth G. , Huntington Jennifer A.
Published: March 2018

Ceftolozane/tazobactam is an antibacterial approved at 1.5 g (1g/0.5 g) every 8 hours (q8h); higher doses may provide additional benefits in difficult‐to‐treat infections. We conducted a phase I trial in healthy adults evaluating safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of 3 g (2 g/1 g) ceftolozane/tazobactam administered q8h for 10 days. Sixteen participants were randomized (2:1:1) to 3 g ceftolozane/tazobactam, 1.5 g ceftolozane/tazobactam, or placebo. Participants underwent regular safety and plasma drug level assessments, with a follow‐up safety visit 7 days after completion. No adverse events (AEs) were reported with placebo; 75% of participants in the 1.5‐g and 50% in the 3‐g arm experienced AEs. AE types were similar between the ceftolozane/tazobactam groups; all AEs were mild. No participants experienced clinically meaningful laboratory assessment or electrocardiogram abnormalities. Both ceftolozane and tazobactam exhibited dose‐proportional pharmacokinetics without accumulation and without substantial differences in clearance and volume of distribution between groups. In the 3‐g group, mean ceftolozane parameters were: peak concentration 104 μg/mL (day 1), 112 μg/mL (day 10); half‐life 3 hours (day 10); area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC(0‐t)) 272 μg·h/mL (day 1), 300μg·h/mL (day 10). Mean tazobactam parameters were: peak concentration 28 μg/mL (day 1), 26 μg/mL (day 10); half‐life 1 hour (day 10); AUC(0‐t) 47μg·h/mL (day 1), 41μg·h/mL (day 10). Administration of 3 g ceftolozane/tazobactam q8h for 10 days was safe and well tolerated in healthy volunteers.
Naphthalimide‐Tertiary Amine Derivatives as Blue‐Light‐Sensitive Photoinitiators
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zivic Nicolas , Dumur Frédéric , Xiao Pu , Graff Bernadette , Fouassier Jean Pierre , Gigmes Didier , Lalevée Jacques
Published: March 2018

The photochemical mechanism of the radical generation from photoinitiating systems based on 1, 8‐naphthalimide derivatives (ANDs; with tertiary amine moieties) are investigated by using various approaches including cyclic voltammetry, steady‐state photolysis, and electron spin resonance spin‐trapping techniques. It reveals that radicals can be produced from ANDs alone or ANDs/additive (e. g. iodonium salt or chloro triazine) combinations. The generated radicals and cations can initiate both free‐radical and cationic photopolymerization reactions under irradiation with various light‐emitting diodes or a halogen lamp. For most of the AND‐based photoinitiating systems, more than 60 % of acrylate or epoxide conversions were attained, and were even higher than those obtained by using commercial photoinitiators, for example, bisacylphosphine oxide or camphorquinone. More interestingly, the AND1‐based photoinitiating system can also initiate concomitant cationic/radical polymerizations and can be used for the synthesis of interpenetrated polymer networks.
Reactions of Disulfides with Silyl Phosphites to Generate Thiophosphates Under Neat Conditions
Authors: Zhan Zhen , Yang Zhongzhen , Ma Dena , Zhang Hao , Shi Yuesen , Wang Qiantao , Deng Yong , Hai Li , Wu Yong
Published: March 2018

An efficient procedure for the synthesis of thiophosphates is described. Without using any metallic catalyst or base, the direct sulfur–phosphorus coupling reaction of disulfides and dialkyl trimethylsilyl phosphite (DTSP) was carried out under solvent‐free reaction conditions in moderate to excellent yields with good functional group compatibility. The reaction conditions represent an advance over established methods not only in omitting the need for expensive catalysts or solvents, but also in shortening the reaction time significantly.These transformations are easy to conduct and can be readily applied to gram‐scale preparation.
Interaction of systolic blood pressure and resting heart rate with clinical outcomes in takotsubo syndrome: insights from the International Takotsubo Registry
Authors: Böhm Michael , Cammann Victoria L. , Ghadri Jelena R. , Ukena Christian , Gili Sebastiano , Di Vece Davide , Kato Ken , Ding Katharina J. , Szawan Konrad A. , Micek Jozef , Jurisic Stjepan , D'Ascenzo Fabrizio , Frangieh Antonio H. , Rechsteiner Delia , Seifert Burkhardt , Ruschitzka Frank , Lüscher Thomas , Templin Christian ,   on behalf of the InterTAK Collaborators
Published: March 2018

Aims

The present study aimed to determine the prognostic impact of resting heart rate (HR) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) in takotsubo syndrome (TTS).

Methods and results

Patients from the International Takotsubo Registry with complete data on HR and SBP were enrolled. We analysed all‐cause mortality and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) in tertiles of HR (<77 b.p.m., 77–94 b.p.m., >94 b.p.m.) and SBP (<119 mmHg, 119–140 mmHg, >140 mmHg). In addition, linear splines with interactions between HR and SBP were analysed. The risk of all‐cause mortality was higher in the second HR tertile (1.89, 1.15–3.10; P = 0.012) and the third HR tertile (3.01, 1.90–4.79; P < 0.001) than in the first tertile. Similar effects were observed for MACCE. Low SBP was related to an increased risk of all‐cause mortality (P < 0.001) and MACCE (P = 0.002). In a multivariable analysis of all‐cause mortality, at HR >70 b.p.m., every 1 b.p.m. increase in HR was associated with a 1.7% increase (P < 0.001), and every 1 mmHg increase in SBP up to 130 mmHg was associated with a 2% risk reduction (P < 0.001). The risk of all‐cause mortality thus was particularly elevated when low SBP occurred together with high HR.

Conclusions

High HR and low SBP are associated with an increased risk of all‐cause mortality in TTS. HR reduction might be worthy of being investigated as a therapeutic strategy for this condition and high HR and low SBP can be used to evaluate risk in this acute presentation of TTS.

Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01947621.
Miscarriage induced by adoptive transfer of dendritic cells and invariant natural killer T cells into mice
Authors: Negishi Yasuyuki , Ichikawa Tomoko , Takeshita Toshiyuki , Takahashi Hidemi
Published: March 2018

Unexpected fetal loss is one of the common complications of pregnancy; however, the pathogenesis of many miscarriages, particularly those not associated with infections, is unknown. We previously found that activated DEC‐205+ dendritic cells (DCs) and NK1.1+ invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are recruited into the myometrium of mice when miscarriage is induced by the intraperitoneal administration of α‐galactosylceramide (α‐GalCer). Here we demonstrate that the adoptive transfer of DEC‐205+ bone marrow‐derived DCs cocultured with α‐GalCer (DEC‐205+ BMDCs‐c/w‐α‐GalCer) directly induced marked fetal loss by syngeneic pregnant C57BL/6 (B6) mice and allogeneic mice (B6 (♀) × BALB/c (♂)), which was accompanied by the accumulation of activated iNKT cells in the myometrium. Further, the adoptive transfer of NK1.1+ iNKT cells obtained from B6 mice injected with α‐GalCer facilitated miscarriages in syngeneic Jα18(−/−) (iNKT cell‐deficient) mice. These results suggest that DEC‐205+ DCs and NK1.1+ iNKT cells play crucial roles required for the initiation of fetal loss associated with stimulation by glycolipid antigens and sterile inflammation.
Bifunctional Aminotriphenolate Complexes as One‐Component Catalysts for the Ring‐Opening Copolymerization of Cyclic Anhydrides and Epoxides
Authors: Martín Carmen , Pizzolante Antonella , Escudero‐Adán Eduardo C. , Kleij Arjan W.
Published: March 2018

Bifunctional aminotriphenolate complexes derived from trivalent metals (M = Co, Mn, Cr) have been prepared and structurally characterized. These complexes are octahedral in the solid state but infer dynamic behavior of the ligated dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) ligands that can function as initiators in the ring‐opening copolymerization of cyclic anhydrides and epoxides. More specifically, the ring‐opening copolymerization of cyclohexene oxide and phthalic anhydride was studied in detail, and the bifunctional CrIII complex gave overall the best results in terms of overall activity and polyester quality.
Photolabile Ru Model Complexes with Chelating Diimine Ligands for Light‐Triggered Drug Release
Authors: Battistin Federica , Balducci Gabriele , Wei Jianhua , Renfrew Anna K. , Alessio Enzo
Published: March 2018

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Enzo Alessio, University of Trieste, Italy, collaborating with the group of Anna Renfrew, University of Sydney, Australia. The cover image shows how a drug “chained” to an inert Ru complex can be photo‐released upon illumination.
Delineation between different components of chronic pain using dimension reduction – an ASL fMRI study in hand osteoarthritis
Authors: Keszthelyi D. , Aziz Q. , Ruffle J.K. , O'Daly O. , Sanders D. , Krause K. , Williams S.C.R. , Howard M.A.
Published: March 2018

Background

Traditional psychometric measures aimed at characterizing the pain experience often show considerable overlap, due to interlinked affective and modulatory processes under central nervous system control. Neuroimaging studies have been employed to investigate this complexity of pain processing, in an attempt to provide a quantifiable, adjunctive description of pain perception. In this exploratory study, we examine psychometric and neuroimaging data from 38 patients with painful osteoarthritis of the carpometacarpal joint. We had two aims: first, to utilize principal component analysis (PCA) as a dimension reduction strategy across multiple self‐reported endpoints of pain, cognitive and affective functioning; second, to investigate the relationship between identified dimensions and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) as an indirect measure of brain activity underpinning their ongoing pain experiences.

Methods

Psychometric data were collected using validated questionnaires. Quantitative estimates of rCBF were acquired using pseudo‐continuous arterial spin‐labelled functional magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

Two principal components were identified that accounted for 73% of data variance; one related to pain scores and a second to psychological traits. Voxel‐wise multiple regression analysis revealed a significant negative association between the ‘pain score’ component and rCBF to a right temporal lobe cluster, including the amygdala and the parahippocampal cortex.

Conclusion

We suggest this association may represent a coping mechanism that aims to reduce fear‐related pain‐anxiety. Further investigation of central brain processing mechanisms in osteoarthritis‐related pain may offer insights into more effective therapeutic strategies.

Significance

This study demonstrates that dimension reduction using PCA allows insight into pain perception and its affective components in relation to brain activation patterns in patients with painful hand osteoarthritis.
The effect of self‐identity alongside perceived importance within the theory of planned behaviour
Authors: Reid Matthew , Sparks Paul , Jessop Donna C.
Published: March 2018

Self‐identity often predicts behavioural intentions after standard theory of planned behaviour (TPB) components are accounted for. However, it has been claimed this is due to conceptual similarity between self‐identity and perceived importance of the behaviour. We examined this claim within the context of recycling food waste. Participants (N = 113) completed questionnaires assessing intentions, attitude, perceived behavioural control, perceived norms, perceived importance, self‐identity, and past behaviour. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that self‐identity and perceived importance were distinct constructs. Further, after accounting for TPB components and perceived importance, self‐identity explained a significant amount of additional variance in intentions. The present findings therefore do not support this particular argument against the predictive utility of self‐identity.
Monkey see, monkey do: The effect of social influence on selective‐exposure bias
Authors: Adams John Milton , Hart Will , Richardson Kyle , Tortoriello Gregory K. , Rentschler Abby
Published: March 2018

Selective‐exposure bias refers to the tendency to predominantly seek out attitude‐consistent information and avoid attitude‐inconsistent information. Although researchers have proposed and tested several underlying psychological factors that might contribute to this tendency, the potential role of social influence has not been addressed. In the present research, we address this issue. In four experiments (total N = 645), participants’ selective‐exposure bias was significantly reduced when the bias was portrayed as non‐normative (vs. normative). In Experiment 4, we obtained evidence for the possibility that this social‐norm manipulation could result in effects on attitudes through information selection. Overall, this research contributes novel evidence for the effect of social influence on selective‐exposure bias.
Long‐term Monitoring of Propofol and Fouling Effect on Pencil Graphite Electrodes
Authors: Stradolini Francesca , Kilic Tugba , Di Consiglio Alberto , Ozsoz Mehmet , De Micheli Giovanni , Carrara Sandro
Published: March 2018

The evaluation of the efficacy of drugs’ action is of crucial importance for preventing adverse effects due to over‐ or under‐dosing. This is especially valuable in the case of propofol, a benchmark anesthetic, since its plasma concentration has to be continuously monitored to achieve and maintain a certain level of sedation during the surgery. To this end, long‐term monitoring approaches have to be implemented. Electrochemical sensors have taken great interest for propofol monitoring. However, the problem of fouling of the propofol on the sensing electrodes, as due to compound‐polymerization caused by successive measurements, makes almost impossible the long‐term drug monitoring of such a compound. For the first time by this study, we have shown that long‐term monitoring of propofol can be achieved by electrochemical sensors based on Pencil Graphite Electrode (PGE) with a proper clay/graphite ratio. Our research has shown that a clay/graphite ratio of 0.4 prevents fouling and hence enables monitoring of propofol.up to 4‐hours. Surface analysis of various PGEs has been conducted via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) whereas detection of propofol has been investigated by Cyclic Voltammetry (CV).
The impact of channel estimation errors on the performance of cooperative nonorthogonal multiple access 5G systems under Nakagami‐m fading
Authors: Men Jinjin , Ge Jianhua , Zhang Chensi , Li Mingming , Hu Yifan
Published: March 2018

Nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA), which can provide high data rates and spectral efficiency in wireless communication, is a promising multiple access technique for the fifth‐generation systems. In this paper, a cooperative NOMA downlink network is investigated over Nakagami‐m fading channels with channel estimation errors taken into consideration. We assume that the direct links between the base station and the users are available and selection combining is conducted at the receiver of the users. First, the closed‐form expressions for the exact and lower bounds of the outage probability are obtained, respectively. Furthermore, due to the presence of the imperfect channel state information, an error floor exists by approximating the outage probability at the high‐signal‐to‐noise‐ratio regime. Next, the ergodic sum rate for the proposed network is analyzed, and the closed‐form expressions for the upper bound of the ergodic sum rate are attained. Finally, extensive numerical results are presented to confirm the correctness of our analysis and to show the superiority of NOMA over conventional cooperative orthogonal multiple access.
Sex‐related differences in behavioral and amygdalar responses to compound facial threat cues
Authors: Im Hee Yeon , Adams Reginald B. , Cushing Cody A. , Boshyan Jasmine , Ward Noreen , Kveraga Kestutis
Published: March 2018

During face perception, we integrate facial expression and eye gaze to take advantage of their shared signals. For example, fear with averted gaze provides a congruent avoidance cue, signaling both threat presence and its location, whereas fear with direct gaze sends an incongruent cue, leaving threat location ambiguous. It has been proposed that the processing of different combinations of threat cues is mediated by dual processing routes: reflexive processing via magnocellular (M) pathway and reflective processing via parvocellular (P) pathway. Because growing evidence has identified a variety of sex differences in emotional perception, here we also investigated how M and P processing of fear and eye gaze might be modulated by observer's sex, focusing on the amygdala, a structure important to threat perception and affective appraisal. We adjusted luminance and color of face stimuli to selectively engage M or P processing and asked observers to identify emotion of the face. Female observers showed more accurate behavioral responses to faces with averted gaze and greater left amygdala reactivity both to fearful and neutral faces. Conversely, males showed greater right amygdala activation only for M‐biased averted‐gaze fear faces. In addition to functional reactivity differences, females had proportionately greater bilateral amygdala volumes, which positively correlated with behavioral accuracy for M‐biased fear. Conversely, in males only the right amygdala volume was positively correlated with accuracy for M‐biased fear faces. Our findings suggest that M and P processing of facial threat cues is modulated by functional and structural differences in the amygdalae associated with observer's sex.
Rigor and Support in Racialized Learning Environments: The Case of Graduate Education
Authors: Posselt Julie R.
Published: March 2018

Racial and gender dynamics in many learning environments present students from minoritized backgrounds with challenges that must be accounted for in defining both what makes a learning experience rigorous and how faculty can scaffold student growth.
Polyethylene glycol fusion associated with antioxidants: A new promise in the treatment of traumatic facial paralysis
Authors: Salomone Raquel , Jácomo Alfredo Luiz , Nascimento Silvia Bona do , Lezirovitz Karina , Hojaij Flávio Carneiro , Costa Heloisa Juliana Zabeu Rossi , Bento Ricardo Ferreira
Published: March 2018

Background

Recent studies in invertebrates have taught us that early cell membrane regeneration is determinant for axonal recovery and survival after trauma. Many authors obtained extraordinary results in neural regeneration using polyethylene glycol fusion protocols, which also involved microsutures and antioxidants.

Methods

Sixty rats were evaluated with functional and histological protocol after facial nerve neurotmesis. Groups A and B had their stumps coapted with microsuture after 24 hours of neurotmesis and groups C and D after 72 hours. In addition to the microstructure, groups B and D used the polyethylene glycol‐fusion protocol for the modulation of the Ca+2.

Results

At the sixth week, the latency of group D and duration of group B was lower than groups A and C (P = .011). The axonal diameter of the groups that used polyethylene glycol‐fusion was higher than those who did not use polyethylene glycol‐fusion (P ≤ .001).

Conclusion

Although not providing a functional improvement, polyethylene glycol‐fusion slowed down demyelination.
Presence of lytic Epstein‐Barr virus infection in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Yu Fenggang , Lu Yanan , Petersson Fredrik , Wang De‐Yun , Loh Kwok Seng
Published: March 2018

Background

Chromogenic Epstein‐Barr virus‐encoded RNA (EBER) in situ hybridization (EBER‐ISH) is the gold standard to detect Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) but it is difficult to use in conjunction with immunohistochemistry (IHC). In this study, our purpose was to validate the sensitivity and specificity of RNAscope in detection of EBV infection in nasal epithelium and its stroma.

Methods

Fluorescence‐based RNAscope EBER‐ISH, BRLF1‐ISH, and lineage marker‐IHC were performed on archived formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues from normal nasal cavity (n = 5), nasopharynx (n = 8), and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) specimens (n = 10).

Results

The EBERs were detected in 10 of 10 NPC samples but was absent in all normal tissues from the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. The EBERs were exclusively located in pan‐cytokeratin (pan‐CK)‐positive tumor epithelial cells but not in CD45‐positive leukocytes and vimentin‐positive stromal fibroblasts. The level of EBER expression varied in tumor cells within patient and between patients as well. Additionally, 5 of 10 patients had positive BRLF‐ISH.

Conclusion

We developed a simple and reproducible method to simultaneously detect mRNA and protein in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues of NPC. As a single staining, traditional EBER continues to be useful; however, for interpretation of the phenotype of EBV‐infected cells, RNAscope is superior. Significantly, we showed that lytic EBV infection took place in NPC tumors.
Seasonal variation of stroke incidence in Wujin, a city in southeast China
Authors: Jin Huafeng , Xu Zhiliang , Li Yunyan , Xu Jiaping , Shan Hongmei , Feng Xiaoli , Xie Yan , Bian Keyu , Qin Dong
Published: March 2018

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate seasonal variations in stroke incidence in a city in southeast China.

Methods

First‐ever stroke in residents aged 20 or older in Wujin city was reported by local physicians between January 2006 and December 2007. All reported stroke cases were checked with the city‐wide health insurance system. Fatal cases were checked with the household registry system. The annualized stroke incidences were calculated for each month and each season. The stroke incidence was compared among seasons, with spring as a reference.

Results

Wujin city had an adult (≥20 y old) population of 1 278 020 in 2010. A total of 2319 stroke cases, 1217 male and 1102 female, were reported in 2006 and 2007. The raw annual incidence of stroke was 90.7/100 000 (95% CI: 82.1‐94.5). Stroke incidence was highest in September (125.2/100 000; 95% CI = 109.4‐139.3) and lowest in January (78.8/100 000; 95% CI = 69.1‐93.2). Stroke incidence was highest in autumn (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.05‐1.32, P < .001, compared with spring). Autumn also had the highest incidences of ischemic stroke (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.06‐1.40).

Conclusions

Stroke incidence showed monthly and seasonal variations in southeast China. Autumn had the highest incidences of both ischemic stroke and cerebral hemorrhage.
In vivo metabolic imaging and monitoring of brown and beige fat
Authors: He Sicong , An Yitai , Li Xuesong , Wei Xiuqing , Sun Qiqi , Wu Zhenguo , Qu Jianan Y.
Published: March 2018

Activation of the thermogenic brown and beige fat is an effective means to increasing whole‐body energy expenditure. In this work, a unique label‐free method was developed to quantitatively assess the metabolism and thermogenesis of mouse adipose tissues in vivo. Specifically, an optical redox ratio (ORR) based on the endogenous fluorescence of mitochondrial metabolic coenzymes (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide) was used to measure the metabolic state of adipocytes. Our findings demonstrate that the ORR provides a label‐free and real‐time biomarker to determine the thermogenic response of brown, beige and white adipose tissues to a variety of physiological stimulations. In addition, the redox ratio also can be used to evaluate the degree of browning in the white fat of cold‐acclimated mice. This technique is important to understand the recruitment and activation of thermogenic adipocytes in mammals and thus can help to develop therapeutic strategies against obesity.
LncRNA H19 targets miR‐22 to modulate H2O2‐induced deregulation in nucleus pulposus cell senescence, proliferation, and ECM synthesis through Wnt signaling
Authors: Wang Xiaobin , Zou Mingxiang , Li Jing , Wang Bing , Zhang Qianshi , Liu Fubin , Lü Guohua
Published: March 2018

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IDD) is a major contributor to low back pain. During IDD progression, ROS can be produced in the form of H2O2 in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) in response to elevated cytokines, leading to subsequent alternations of cell fate and metabolic processes. Genetic factors are considered as main contributors to IDD pathopoiesis. Herein, we investigated the detailed function and mechanism of H19, one of the most up‐regulated lncRNAs in IDD specimens, in H2O2‐induced cell senescence model in NPCs. H19 could accelerate H2O2‐induced degenerative changes by promoting cell senescence, increasing ADAMTS‐5 and MMPs protein levels and Collagen I content, as well as suppressing NPC proliferation through activating Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. Moreover, miR‐22, a direct target of H19, could bind to the 3′UTR of LEF1 to inhibit its expression and reverse the effect of H19 on NPCs, thus inhibiting Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. Taken together, H19 acts as a ceRNA to compete with LEF1 for miR‐22, thus modulating downstream Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in NPCs; H19/miR‐22/LEF1 might be a novel target for improving H2O2‐induced NPC senescence and treatment for IDD.
Cochlear implant provider awareness of vaccination guidelines
Authors: Jeyakumar Anita , Bégué Rodolpho E. , Jiang Yu , McKinnon Brian J.
Published: March 2018

Objective

Guidelines for vaccination of cochlear implant (CI) recipients have been promulgated and updated by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to mitigate bacterial meningitis risk. The objective of this study was to survey current CI specialists on: 1) knowledge of current CDC CI recipient immunization recommendations, and 2) impediments to implementation of those guidelines.

Methods

A survey to assess knowledge of the CI recipient vaccination guidelines was administered to the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck surgery (AAO–HNS), the American Cochlear Implant Alliance (ACIA), and the American Neurotology Society (ANS). The members of the AAO–HNS and ACIA were invited to participate in the survey via an e‐mail. The members of the ANS were polled during a session of their fall meeting.

Results

A total of 256 individuals participated: 64 from AAO, 59 from ACIA, and 133 from ANS. Participants reported knowledge of the vaccination guidelines as high among all groups and statistically similar. The survey indicated that the participants noted difficulty in obtaining age‐group–specific immunizations. Vaccination status was not consistently reported.

Conclusion

Cochlear implant providers have high awareness of vaccination guidelines but less detailed knowledge of age‐specific recommendations. Obtaining age‐specific vaccines is a challenge, as is consistent documentation of vaccination. Future efforts should be focused on improving knowledge of age‐specific recommendations, easing access of age‐specific vaccines, and improving documentation.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 128:2145–2152, 2018
Reconfigurable dual‐embedded cross‐slotted microstrip antenna with frequency diversity capability
Authors: Lee Min‐Jae , Noh Yoonsang , Pyo Seongmin
Published: March 2018

This article presents a novel reconfigurable microstrip antenna with frequency diversity capability using a dual‐embedded crossed slot structure. The full‐sized cross‐shaped slot is divided by two diagonal rectangular slots and independently separated two diagonal slots are etched at both top and bottom ground plane. In addition, the p‐i‐n diode for a switching device and its bias circuit are employed at the bottom ground slot. In case of the off‐state, the left‐handed circularly polarized wave is obtained because the full‐sized cross‐shaped slot is achieved. Oppositely, in case of the on‐state, that is, the shorted ground slot, the right‐handed circularly polarized wave is utilized because the one diagonal rectangular slot at the top plane is only available and the other ground diagonal slot is invisible. The measurement results of the proposed antenna show that the simulation results such as the reflection coefficient, antenna gain, and radiation pattern are agreed well.
Conductive polyaniline on paper as a flexible electronic material with controlled physical properties through vapor phase polymerization
Authors: Deb Krishna , Bera Arun , Bhowmik Kartick Lal , Saha Biswajit
Published: March 2018

Tuning of hole transport and optical properties were accomplished in polyaniline incorporated flexible paper during vapor phase polymerization process. Vapor phase polymerization of aniline using FeCl3 as polymerizing agent was done in a reaction chamber, where the concentration of FeCl3 on paper played the key role in tuning its properties. The energy band gap and electrical conductivity of the polyaniline incorporated paper have been tuned effectively during the polymerization process. The band gap changes from 2.45 eV to 2.65 eV, when the electrical sheet resistance varied from 1.0 ×105 Ω/◻ to 4.33 ×107 Ω/◻ in response to the different FeCl3 concentration. The electrical sheet resistance can be tuned within a range of two order of its value. Polymer‐based electronic materials with outstanding electrical conductivity due to their delocalized molecular orbitals are of great interest in the recent development of materials chemistry and physics. Paper being a flexible substrate and incorporated with a hole transporting medium like polyaniline in its emeraldine base form will find its significant role in designing flexible electronic devices. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:2249–2255, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation and cellular uptake of bicyclic‐peptide cargo clicked to cell penetrating peptides
Authors: Kulkarni Ketav , Watson Gabrielle M. , Sang Jianrong , Wilce Jacqueline A.
Published: March 2018

Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) are frequently used to deliver peptide cargo into cells where they can exert their biological activity. Their success, however, can be dependent on the cargo, the cell type, and other variables of peptide application. Here we describe the preparation of a bicyclic peptide inhibitor of the Grb7 cancer target and its conjugation via click chemistry to FITC‐labeled derivatives of the classic CPP Penetratin, as well as the equivalent with an additional nuclear localization signal (NLS). We discovered that uptake of the cargo‐Penetratin into the breast cancer cell line MDA‐MB‐231 was slow and led to limited cytosolic distribution. However, the addition of the NLS greatly enhanced the delivery leading to both cytosolic and nuclear distribution.
New directions for urotensin II receptor ligands
Authors: Billard Étienne , Iddir Mustapha , Nassour Hassan , Lee‐Gosselin Laura , Poujol de Molliens Mathilde , Chatenet David
Published: March 2018

The urotensinergic system, formed by a G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) termed UT and two endogenous peptide ligands Urotensin II (UII, H‐Glu‐Thr‐Pro‐Asp‐[Cys‐Phe‐Trp‐Lys‐Tyr‐Cys]‐Val‐OH) and Urotensin II‐related peptide (URP, H‐Ala‐[Cys‐Phe‐Trp‐Lys‐Tyr‐Cys]‐Val‐OH), is currently regarded as a potential key contributor to cardiovascular functions. While multiple animal studies have shown the therapeutic potential of UT ligands for the treatment of heart failure and atherosclerosis, their lack of efficacy in clinical studies points toward a greater understanding of UT pharmacology at both the molecular and cellular levels. UII and URP are cyclic peptides that share a common and strictly conserved bioactive cyclic core (‐Cys‐Phe‐Trp‐Lys‐Tyr‐Cys‐) but differ by their extracyclic N‐terminal residues. While sharing common biological activity, these two endogenous ligands appear to be functionally selective, displaying different specific effects through the selection/stabilization of particular UT active conformations. Thus, UII and URP should be regarded as two distinct actors in the control of cardiovascular functions. In this regard, more focus on URP biological effects had to be paid, while systematic evaluation of new antagonists against both endogenous ligands appears mandatory. Overall, this review offers an overview of the actual horizon of UT pharmacology, notably concerning the development of biased ligands and allosteric modulators.
Anti‐Poverty Effects of In‐Kind Transfers Among Divorced or Separated Women in the United States
Authors: Bayaz Ozturk Gulgun
Published: March 2018

This study examines the anti‐poverty effects of increased welfare spending in the United States five years into the recovery (from 2009 to 2015) by focusing on an economically vulnerable population of divorced/separated women. More specifically, I examine the anti‐poverty effects of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and housing and energy assistance using the Sen, Shorrocks, and Thon poverty index. I find that the anti‐poverty effects of means‐tested programs worked primarily through reduction in headcount ratio without much amelioration in poverty intensity and inequality. Large‐scale programs such as SNAP, EITC, and housing assistance were the most effective, whereas WIC, TANF, and energy assistance were the least effective programs in the fight against poverty.
Mobile Money in a Poor Fishing Municipality in the Philippines
Authors: Gumba Bernadette G.
Published: March 2018

The study examined the use of mobile money in a poor fishing municipality in the Philippines. Specifically, it aimed to describe the socioeconomic profile of selected poor fishing households in Garchitorena, located in the region of Bicol; to explore the processes and uses of mobile money; and to examine the adaptability of mobile money in the community. Mobile money, according to respondents, was more reliable, safe, and relatively less expensive than the traditional method. It was greatly beneficial to an archipelagic municipality where physical transfer of persons, goods, services, and money was extremely difficult. People got easily accustomed to it because it readily accommodated small money transactions and entailed relatively low cost. It was easy to adapt because cell phones were affordable and accessible. For micro enterprises, it was very helpful for daily replenishment of inventory and money transfer in times of business emergency. Government organizations should improve existing infrastructures that support the use of telecommunications technology. To increase the potential of mobile money as a tool for financial inclusion of the poor, industry players can increase the number of cell sites so that more residents of island barangays would have access to the technology very positively.
“Between a Rock and a Hard Place”: The Constraints of Welfare‐to‐Work Bureaucracies
Authors: Gross Christi L. , Church Jacob , Taylor Tiffany , Towne‐Roese Jackuelyn K.
Published: March 2018

Using data drawn from telephone interviews with program managers in Ohio's welfare‐to‐work program, Ohio Works First (OWF; N = 69), we examine how managers deal with revisions to welfare‐to‐work program requirements. Specifically, we examine the tensions concerning expectations that managers will both police and help clients. Much like street‐level bureaucrats, managers not only face these tensions, but they also supervise caseworkers to ensure county compliance with government rules. Therefore, we also examine managers’ frustrations with state and federal governments, their clients, and the bureaucratic constraints associated with their positions.
Review of The Financial Diaries: How American Families Cope in a World of UncertaintyThe Financial Diaries: How American Families Cope in a World of Uncertainty. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. ISBN: 978‐069117298‐9. Hardcover. Jonathan Morduch and Rachel Schneider. 2017.
Authors: Kindle Peter A.
Published: March 2018

Peter A Kindle reviews The Financial Diaries: How American Families Cope in a World of Uncertanty.
Living with multiple sclerosis: A Jordanian perspective
Authors: Al‐Sharman Alham , Khalil Hanan , Nazzal Mohammad , Al‐Sheyab Nihaya , Alghwiri Alia , El‐Salem Khalid , AlDughmi Mais
Published: March 2018

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms are very heterogeneous and may lead to reduced physical, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning that can consequently impair aspects of individual's life. Many studies have examined the living experiences of individuals with MS and its impact on their daily lives. In developing countries and particularly in Jordan, there has been little attempt to conduct studies exploring the experiences of people living with MS. Such knowledge will provide a background to hidden aspects of human concepts, such as culture, perception, and attitudes about chronic diseases.

Objective

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore and describe the daily living experiences and challenges of Jordanian individuals with MS.

Methods

A qualitative design was utilized. Sixteen individuals with MS took part in the study; they were interviewed and divided into 4 focus groups. Conversations were digitally recorded followed by a verbatim transcription. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis and validated via researcher triangulation and peer checking.

Results

Experiences of 16 Jordanian individuals with MS who participated in this study were categorized into the following major themes: (a) experiences related to the disease itself and (b) experiences related to the healthcare system. Disease‐related experiences include physical decline, psychosocial withdrawal, and fear of the future. Participants' experiences with the healthcare system include difficulty of diagnosis, poor communication and rapport with healthcare providers, and lack of awareness about MS and its rehabilitation.

Conclusions

Findings of this study suggests that more attention should be given to the people with MS in Jordan. In particular, awareness about the disease should be improved among healthcare providers and the general public. Furthermore, rehabilitation services should be emphasized during the management of MS disease.
Detectable end of radiation prostate specific antigen assists in identifying men with unfavorable intermediate‐risk prostate cancer at high risk of distant recurrence and cancer‐specific mortality
Authors: Hayman Jonathan , Phillips Ryan , Chen Di , Perin Jamie , Narang Amol K. , Trieu Janson , Radwan Noura , Greco Stephen , Deville Curtiland , McNutt Todd , Song Daniel Y. , DeWeese Theodore L. , Tran Phuoc T.
Published: March 2018

Background

Undetectable End of Radiation PSA (EOR‐PSA) has been shown to predict improved survival in prostate cancer (PCa). While validating the unfavorable intermediate‐risk (UIR) and favorable intermediate‐risk (FIR) stratifications among Johns Hopkins PCa patients treated with radiotherapy, we examined whether EOR‐PSA could further risk stratify UIR men for survival.

Methods

A total of 302 IR patients were identified in the Johns Hopkins PCa database (178 UIR, 124 FIR). Kaplan‐Meier curves and multivariable analysis was performed via Cox regression for biochemical recurrence free survival (bRFS), distant metastasis free survival (DMFS), and overall survival (OS), while a competing risks model was used for PCa specific survival (PCSS). Among the 235 patients with known EOR‐PSA values, we then stratified by EOR‐PSA and performed the aforementioned analysis.

Results

The median follow‐up time was 11.5 years (138 months). UIR was predictive of worse DMFS and PCSS (P = 0.008 and P = 0.023) on multivariable analysis (MVA). Increased radiation dose was significant for improved DMFS (P = 0.016) on MVA. EOR‐PSA was excluded from the models because it did not trend towards significance as a continuous or binary variable due to interaction with UIR, and we were unable to converge a multivariable model with a variable to control for this interaction. However, when stratifying by detectable versus undetectable EOR‐PSA, UIR had worse DMFS and PCSS among detectable EOR‐PSA patients, but not undetectable patients. UIR was significant on MVA among detectable EOR‐PSA patients for DMFS (P = 0.021) and PCSS (P = 0.033), while RT dose also predicted PCSS (P = 0.013).

Conclusions

EOR‐PSA can assist in predicting DMFS and PCSS among UIR patients, suggesting a clinically meaningful time point for considering intensification of treatment in clinical trials of intermediate‐risk men.
Laser ablation synthesis of arsenic–phosphide AsmPn clusters from As–P mixtures. Laser desorption ionisation with quadrupole ion trap time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry: The mass spectrometer as a synthesizer
Authors: Kubáček Pavel , Prokeš Lubomír , Pamreddy Annapurna , Peña‐Méndez Eladia María , Conde José Elias , Alberti Milan , Havel Josef
Published: March 2018

Rationale

Only a few arsenic phosphides are known. A high potential for the generation of new compounds is offered by Laser Ablation Synthesis (LAS) and when Laser Desorption Ionization (LDI) is coupled with simultaneous Time‐Of‐Flight Mass Spectrometry (TOFMS), immediate identification of the clusters can be achieved.

Methods

LAS was used for the generation of arsenic phosphides via laser ablation of phosphorus–arsenic mixtures while quadrupole ion trap time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (QIT‐TOFMS) was used to acquire the mass spectra.

Results

Many new AsmPn± clusters (479 binary and 369 mono‐elemental) not yet described in the literature were generated in the gas phase and their stoichiometry determined. The likely structures for some of the observed clusters arbitrary selected (20) were computed by density functional theory (DFT) optimization.

Conclusions

LAS is an advantageous approach for the generation of new AsmPn clusters, while mass spectrometry was found to be an efficient technique for the determination of cluster stoichiometry. The results achieved might inspire the synthesis of new materials.
Investigation of ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography/travelling‐wave ion mobility/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry for fast profiling of fatty acids in the high Arctic sea surface microlayer
Authors: Mashayekhy Rad Farshid , Leck Caroline , Ilag Leopold L. , Nilsson Ulrika
Published: March 2018

Rationale

Fatty acids are enriched in the ocean surface microlayer (SML) and have as a consequence been detected worldwide in sea spray aerosols. In searching for a relationship between the properties of the atmospheric aerosol and its ability to form cloud condensation nuclei and to promote cloud droplet formation over remote marine areas, the role of surface active fatty acids sourced from the SML is of interest to be investigated. Here we present a fast method for profiling of major fatty acids in SML samples collected in the high Arctic (89°N, 1°W) in the summer of 2001.

Methods

Ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)/travelling‐wave ion mobility spectrometry (TWIMS)/time‐of‐flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) for profiling was evaluated and compared with UHPLC/TOFMS. Except for evaporation and centrifugation, no sample preparation was necessary prior to the analysis.

Results

TOFMS data on accurate mass, isotopic ratios and fragmentation patterns enabled identification of the fatty acids. The TWIMS dimension added to the selectivity by extensive reduction of the noise level and the entire UHPLC/TWIMS/TOFMS method provided a fast profiling of the acids, ranging from C8 to C24. Hexadecanoic and octadecanoic acids were shown to yield the highest signals among the FAs detected in a high Arctic SML sample, followed by the unsaturated octadecenoic and octadecadienoic acids. The predominance of signal from even‐numbered carbon chains indicates a mainly biogenic origin of the detected FAs.

Conclusions

This study presents a fast alternative method for screening and profiling of FAs, which has the advantage of not requiring any complicated sample preparation, thus limiting the loss of analytes. Almost no manual handling, together with the very small sample volumes needed, is certainly beneficial for the determination of trace amounts and should open up the field of applications to also include atmospheric aerosol and fog.
Principal component analysis of normalized full spectrum mass spectrometry data in multiMS‐toolbox: An effective tool to identify important factors for classification of different metabolic patterns and bacterial strains
Authors: Cejnar Pavel , Kuckova Stepanka , Prochazka Ales , Karamonova Ludmila , Svobodova Barbora
Published: March 2018

Rationale

Explorative statistical analysis of mass spectrometry data is still a time‐consuming step. We analyzed critical factors for application of principal component analysis (PCA) in mass spectrometry and focused on two whole spectrum based normalization techniques and their application in the analysis of registered peak data and, in comparison, in full spectrum data analysis. We used this technique to identify different metabolic patterns in the bacterial culture of Cronobacter sakazakii, an important foodborne pathogen.

Methods

Two software utilities, the ms‐alone, a python‐based utility for mass spectrometry data preprocessing and peak extraction, and the multiMS‐toolbox, an R software tool for advanced peak registration and detailed explorative statistical analysis, were implemented. The bacterial culture of Cronobacter sakazakii was cultivated on Enterobacter sakazakii Isolation Agar, Blood Agar Base and Tryptone Soya Agar for 24 h and 48 h and applied by the smear method on an Autoflex speed MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometer.

Results

For three tested cultivation media only two different metabolic patterns of Cronobacter sakazakii were identified using PCA applied on data normalized by two different normalization techniques. Results from matched peak data and subsequent detailed full spectrum analysis identified only two different metabolic patterns – a cultivation on Enterobacter sakazakii Isolation Agar showed significant differences to the cultivation on the other two tested media. The metabolic patterns for all tested cultivation media also proved the dependence on cultivation time.

Conclusions

Both whole spectrum based normalization techniques together with the full spectrum PCA allow identification of important discriminative factors in experiments with several variable condition factors avoiding any problems with improper identification of peaks or emphasis on bellow threshold peak data. The amounts of processed data remain still manageable. Both implemented software utilities are available free of charge from http://uprt.vscht.cz/ms.