bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevention of incisional hernia after midline laparotomy with prophylactic mesh reinforcement: a meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Jairam A P , López-Cano M , Garcia-Alamino J M , Pereira J A , Timmermans L , Jeekel J , Lange J , Muysoms F
Published: February 2020

Background

Incisional hernia is a frequent complication after abdominal surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of prophylactic mesh reinforcement (PMR) after midline laparotomy in reducing the incidence of incisional hernia.

Methods

A meta-analysis was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. The primary outcome was the incidence of incisional hernia after follow-up of at least 12 months. Secondary outcomes were postoperative complications. Only RCTs were included. A random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis, and trial sequential analysis was conducted.

Results

Twelve RCTs were included, comprising 1815 patients. The incidence of incisional hernia was significantly lower after PMR compared with sutured closure (risk ratio (RR) 0·35, 95 per cent c.i. 0·21 to 0·57; P < 0·001). Both onlay (RR 0·26, 0·11 to 0·67; P = 0·005) and retromuscular (RR 0·28, 0·10 to 0·82; P = 0·02) PMR led to a significant reduction in the rate of incisional hernia. The occurrence of seroma was higher in patients who had onlay PMR (RR 2·23, 1·10 to 4·52; P = 0·03). PMR did not result in an increased rate of surgical-site infection.

Conclusion

PMR of a midline laparotomy using an onlay or retromuscular technique leads to a significant reduction in the rate of incisional hernia in high-risk patients. Individual risk factors should be taken into account to select patients who will benefit most.

[Correction added on 19 February 2020, after first online publication: J. García Alamino has been amended to J. M. Garcia-Alamino]
A phase II study evaluating the role of bortezomib in the management of relapsed acute promyelocytic leukemia treated upfront with arsenic trioxide
Authors: Kulkarni Uday , Ganesan Saravanan , Alex Ansu Abu , Palani Hamenth , David Sachin , Balasundaram Nithya , Venkatraman Arvind , Thenmozhi Mani , Jeyaseelan Lakshmanan , Korula Anu , Devasia Anup , Abraham Aby , Janet Nancy Beryl , Balasubramanian Poonkuzhali , George Biju , Mathews Vikram
Published: February 2020

The standard‐of‐care for patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) relapsing after upfront arsenic trioxide (ATO) therapy is not defined. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the safety of addition of bortezomib to ATO in the treatment of relapsed APL based on our previously reported preclinical data demonstrating synergy between these agents. This was an open label, nonrandomized, phase II, single‐center study. We enrolled 22 consecutive patients with relapsed APL. The median age was 26.5 years (interquartile range 17.5 to 41.5). The median time from initial diagnosis to relapse was 23.1 months (interquartile range 15.6 to 43.8). All patients achieved hematological remission at a median time of 45 days (range 40‐63). Nineteen patients were in molecular remission at the end of induction. Grade 3 adverse events occurred in eight instances with one patient requiring discontinuation of therapy for grade 3 neuropathy. Twelve (54.5%) patients underwent autologous transplantation (auto‐SCT) in molecular remission while the rest opted for maintenance therapy. The median follow‐up was 48 months (range 28‐56.3). Of the patients undergoing auto‐SCT, all except one was alive and relapse free at last follow‐up. Of the patients who opted for maintenance therapy, three developed a second relapse. For treatment of APL relapsing after upfront ATO therapy, addition of bortezomib to a standard ATO‐based salvage regimen is safe and effective. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01950611.
Effect of Aromatic Rings and Substituent on the Performance of Lithium Batteries with Rylene Imide Cathodes
Authors: Aher Jagdish , Graefenstein Alexander , Deshmukh Gunvant , Subramani Kumar , Krueger Bastian , Haensch Mareike , Schwenzel Julian , Krishnamoorthy Kothandam , Wittstock Gunther
Published: February 2020

Rylene imides (RIs) are attractive organic battery materials because of the inherent modularity of the molecules. While strong aggregation of RIs is disadvantageous for fast lithium‐ion transport in the organic active material, decreasing the solubility of the RIs in battery electrolytes is essential to avoid performance fading. Therefore, the design and synthesis of RIs for lithium batteries is a non‐trivial task that must, among other considerations, balance lithium‐ion transport in the solid material vs. low solubility by controlling aggregation and packing. We have chosen triphenylamine (TPA) as a substituent which disrupts the aggregation but maintains a low solubility due to increased aromaticity of TPA. We have synthesized three RIs with one, two, and four aromatic units in the core. All of them showed stable specific capacity over 300 charge‐discharge cycles. The batteries also showed specific capacities close to their theoretical capacities with 97–99 % coulombic efficiency. The maximum specific energy and specific power were 197 mWh g−1 and 37 mW g−1, respectively.
CEO ability and sustainability disclosures: The mediating effect of corporate social responsibility performance
Authors: García‐Sánchez Isabel‐María , Aibar‐Guzmán Beatriz , Aibar‐Guzmán Cristina , Azevedo Tânia‐Cristina
Published: February 2020

Combining the postulates of the upper echelons theory and the economic theories of information disclosure, one might expect that the effect of chief executive officers' (CEOs') managerial ability on their firms' disclosure policies has both a direct and indirect nature. The latter would be associated with the mediating role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance on the relationship between CEOs' ability and corporate transparency. Using a sample of 956 international firms over the period 2006–2014 (6,442 firm‐year observations), we examine the role that the CEO ability plays in determining the relevance of CSR disclosures and whether this role is mediated by CSR performance. By proposing several regression models, we document that more able CEOs are more willing to disclose comparable and useful CSR information that favours stakeholder engagement. This relationship is mediated by the impact that CEO's ability has over the implementation of sustainability strategies that improve CSR performance.
One size does not fit all: Customizing MCMC methods for hierarchical models using NIMBLE
Authors: Ponisio Lauren C. , de Valpine Perry , Michaud Nicholas , Turek Daniel
Published: February 2020

Improved efficiency of Markov chain Monte Carlo facilitates all aspects of statistical analysis with Bayesian hierarchical models. Identifying strategies to improve MCMC performance is becoming increasingly crucial as the complexity of models, and the run times to fit them, increases. We evaluate different strategies for improving MCMC efficiency using the open‐source software NIMBLE (R package nimble) using common ecological models of species occurrence and abundance as examples. We ask how MCMC efficiency depends on model formulation, model size, data, and sampling strategy. For multiseason and/or multispecies occupancy models and for N‐mixture models, we compare the efficiency of sampling discrete latent states vs. integrating over them, including more vs. fewer hierarchical model components, and univariate vs. block‐sampling methods. We include the common MCMC tool JAGS in comparisons. For simple models, there is little practical difference between computational approaches. As model complexity increases, there are strong interactions between model formulation and sampling strategy on MCMC efficiency. There is no one‐size‐fits‐all best strategy, but rather problem‐specific best strategies related to model structure and type. In all but the simplest cases, NIMBLE's default or customized performance achieves much higher efficiency than JAGS. In the two most complex examples, NIMBLE was 10–12 times more efficient than JAGS. We find NIMBLE is a valuable tool for many ecologists utilizing Bayesian inference, particularly for complex models where JAGS is prohibitively slow. Our results highlight the need for more guidelines and customizable approaches to fit hierarchical models to ensure practitioners can make the most of occupancy and other hierarchical models. By implementing model‐generic MCMC procedures in open‐source software, including the NIMBLE extensions for integrating over latent states (implemented in the R package nimbleEcology), we have made progress toward this aim.
Predictors of left ventricular remodelling in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy – a cardiovascular magnetic resonance study
Authors: Tayal Upasana , Wage Ricardo , Newsome Simon , Manivarmane Ramasamy , Izgi Cemil , Muthumala Amal , Dungu Jason N. , Assomull Ravi , Hatipoglu Suzan , Halliday Brian P. , Lota Amrit S. , Ware James S. , Gregson John , Frenneaux Michael , Cook Stuart A. , Pennell Dudley J. , Scott Andrew D. , Cleland John G.F. , Prasad Sanjay K.
Published: February 2020

Aims

There is an important need for better biomarkers to predict left ventricular (LV) remodelling in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). We undertook a comprehensive assessment of cardiac structure and myocardial composition to determine predictors of remodelling.

Methods and results

Prospective study of patients with recent‐onset DCM with cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) assessment of ventricular structure and function, extracellular volume (T1 mapping), myocardial strain, myocardial scar (late gadolinium enhancement) and contractile reserve (dobutamine stress). Regression analyses were used to evaluate predictors of change in LV ejection fraction (LVEF) over 12 months. We evaluated 56 participants (34 DCM patients, median LVEF 43%; 22 controls). Absolute LV contractile reserve predicted change in LVEF (1% increase associated with 0.4% increase in LVEF at 12 months, P = 0.02). Baseline myocardial strain (P = 0.39 global longitudinal strain), interstitial myocardial fibrosis (P = 0.41), replacement myocardial fibrosis (P = 0.25), and right ventricular contractile reserve (P = 0.17) were not associated with LV reverse remodelling. There was a poor correlation between contractile reserve and either LV extracellular volume fraction (r = −0.22, P = 0.23) or baseline LVEF (r = 0.07, P = 0.62). Men were more likely to experience adverse LV remodelling (P = 0.01) but age (P = 0.88) and disease‐modifying heart failure medication (beta‐blocker, P = 0.28; angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor, P = 0.92) did not predict follow‐up LVEF.

Conclusions

Substantial recovery of LV function occurs within 12 months in most patients with recent‐onset DCM. Women had the greatest improvement in LVEF. A low LV contractile reserve measured by dobutamine stress CMR appears to identify patients whose LVEF is less likely to recover.
Development of Fully Bio‐Based Lubricants from Agro‐Industrial Residues under Environmentally Friendly Processes
Authors: de Almeida Mayara O. , Silva Lucas R. R. , Kotzebue Lloyd R. V. , Maia Francisco J. N. , Acero Juan S. R. , Mele Giuseppe , Mazzetto Selma E. , Sinatora Amilton , Lomonaco Diego
Published: February 2020

Biolubricants are becoming interesting alternatives to mineral lubricants. Despite their advantages, development of lubricants from vegetable oils may compete with food production, turning their use impractical due to socio‐economic aspects. Here, cardanol is used as raw material in the synthesis of novel biolubricants under environmentally friendly conditions. These compounds are characterized by NMR and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Thermal‐oxidative studies show the elevated stability and higher onset oxidative temperatures. Tribological analyses performed under high‐frequency linear‐oscillation motion indicate lower coefficients of friction and wear rates compared to a synthetic oil. Therefore, cardanol, under simple, fast, and sustainable processes can be transformed into valuable alternatives for petroleum‐based lubricants.

Practical Applications: The novel cardanol‐based biolubricants presented in this work show interesting chemical and lubricity properties superior to standard synthetic oils, which make them potential substitutes for the current oil‐based products used as lubricants. Additionally, the ecofriendly methodologies employed reduce significantly the reaction time as well as eliminating the need for catalysts or solvents, making these processes viable alternatives for the traditional methods reported in literature for the synthesis of this class of compounds.
Protective effects of fermented rice extract on ulcerative colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate in mice
Authors: Oh Won‐Seok , Jung Jae‐Chul , Choi Yong‐Min , Mun Ju‐Young , Ku Sae‐Kwang , Song Chang‐Hyun
Published: February 2020

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), characterized by the gut mucosal ulceration. Growing evidence indicates that dysregulation of immune response to the commensal microbiota involves the pathogenesis of IBD. Previous studies have demonstrated the favorable probiotic effects of fermented rice extracts through triple fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Weissella cibaria (FRe). Thus, the therapeutic potential of FRe for UC was examined. Dextran sodium sulfate UC mice model was orally administered distilled water as a control, sulfasalazine, or FRe at 300, 200, and 100 mg/kg, once a day for a week. The UC control exhibited body weight loss, bloody stools, and colonic shortening. However, the FRe, especially at 300 mg/kg, led to a reduction in weight loss, disease activity index scores, and colon weight, and an increase in colorectal length. The histopathological analyses revealed mild changes involved in the colonic crypt and mucosal damages in the FRe groups, along with inhibited inflammation. Indeed, the FRe reduced neutrophil infiltration and production of proinflammatory cytokines (i.e., tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐6/‐8). This was accompanied by the down‐regulation of nuclear factor‐kappa B. The gene expression responsible for the intestinal barrier integrity (i.e., Zonna occludens‐1/‐2, Claudin‐1, Occludin, Mucin‐1/‐2) was up‐regulated in the FRe groups. In addition, the FRe reduced lipid peroxidation and enhanced antioxidant activity. Interestingly, the microbiota dysbiosis was attenuated in the FRe groups, and the number of beneficial bacteria, Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria, was increased. It suggests that the FRe potently ameliorate UC as a functional food.
Impact of algorithmic trading on speed of adjustment to new information: Evidence from interest rate derivatives
Authors: Frino Alex , Garcia Michael , Zhou Zeyang
Published: February 2020

In February 2012, the Australian Securities Exchange introduced co‐location services for futures traders, thus providing a natural experiment to test the impact of algorithmic trading (AT) on the speed of adjustment and price discovery during scheduled macroeconomic releases. Our results demonstrate that, in the presence of AT, the speed of adjustment to new information has improved for both exchange‐traded futures and over‐the‐counter‐traded swaps. In addition, we find that the price discovery contribution of the futures market improves in the post‐AT period, with this improvement significant for macroeconomic announcement days.
Caregiving representations in war conditions: Associations with maternal trauma, mental health, and mother–infant interaction
Authors: Isosävi Sanna , Diab Safwat Y. , Qouta Samir , Kangaslampi Samuli , Sleed Michelle , Kankaanpää Saija , Puura Kaija , Punamäki Raija‐Leena
Published: February 2020

Risk features in mothers’ caregiving representations remain understudied in dangerous environments where infants most urgently need protective parenting. This pilot study examines the feasibility of a novel coding system for the Parent Development Interview (PDI) interview (ARR, Assessment of Representational Risk) in assessing 50 war‐exposed Palestinian mothers’ caregiving representations. First, we explored the content and structure of risks in the representations. Second, we examined associations between the high‐risk representations, mothers’ pre‐ and postnatal exposure to traumatic war events (TWE), depressive and post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and self‐rated emotional availability (EA) with their 1‐year‐old infants. Following three dimensions of high‐risk caregiving representations were identified: self/dyadic dysregulation, unavailable, and fearful. Mothers’ prenatal depressive symptoms were associated with dysregulating and fearful representations, and their postnatal PTSD with fearful representations. TWE were not associated with the high‐risk representations. Moreover, mothers of boys reported more fearful representations, and mothers with financial difficulties reported more unavailable representations. TWE and high‐risk representations were not associated with EA. However, qualitative analysis of the representations indicated risks in the mother–infant relationship. Further, older mothers and mothers with postnatal PTSD reported lower EA. Cultural variance in caregiving representations and the use of self‐report measures among traumatized mothers are discussed.
Triadic interactions, parental reflective functioning, and early social‐emotional difficulties
Authors: León María José , Olhaberry Marcia
Published: February 2020

Early childhood is a critical period for social‐emotional development; during this period, the child's immediate family is the system with the greatest influence on his or her development. The parents’ capacity to reflect on the children's ability to process and interact within a social environment, called parental reflective functioning (RF), is considered an important factor in protecting children from highly prevalent social‐emotional difficulties and may have a strong influence on children's long‐term development.

Objective

To describe and analyze the relationships among parents’ RF, the quality of the mother–father–child triadic interaction, and children's social‐emotional difficulties.

Method

A nonexperimental, cross‐sectional, correlational study was conducted. Fifty mother–father–child triads, each in a current relationship that included at least one child aged 12–36 months, were evaluated. Sociodemographic background, triadic interaction, parental RF, and social‐emotional difficulties were assessed.

Results

Triadic interaction was found to have a significant effect on the child's social‐emotional difficulties, explaining 9% of the variance. In addition, the mothers’ RF had a significant influence on triadic interaction, explaining 19% of the variance. An exploratory finding showed that triadic interaction mediates the relationship between mothers’ RF and children's social‐emotional difficulties.
Infant illness severity and family adjustment in the aftermath of NICU hospitalization
Authors: Grunberg Victoria A. , Geller Pamela A. , Patterson Chavis A.
Published: February 2020

Up to 15% of parents have an infant who will spend time in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). After discharge, parents may care for a medically fragile infant and worry about their development. The current study examined how infant illness severity is associated with family adjustment. Participants included parents with infants who had been discharged from the NICU 6 months to 3 years prior to study participation (N = 199). Via a Qualtrics online survey, parents reported their infants’ medical history, parenting stress, family burden, couple functioning, and access to resources. Multivariable regression analyses revealed that more severe infant medical issues during hospitalization (e.g., longer length of stay and more medical devices) were associated with greater family burden, but not stress or couple functioning. Infant health issues following hospitalization (i.e., medical diagnosis and more medical specialists) were associated with greater stress, poorer couple functioning, and greater family burden. Less time for parents was associated with increased stress and poorer couple functioning. Surprisingly, parents of infants who were rehospitalized reported less stress and better couple functioning, but greater family burden. Family‐focused interventions that incorporate psychoeducation about provider−patient communication, partner support, and self‐care may be effective to prevent negative psychosocial sequelae among families.
The potential role of chitosan‐based nanoparticles as drug delivery systems in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Sadoughi Fatemeh , Mansournia Mohammad Ali , Mirhashemi Seyyed Mehdi
Published: February 2020

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most lethal cancers and 12th most common cancer in the world. Due to the inaccessible anatomical position of the pancreas and asymptomatic early stages of this disease, PC has a high mortality rate. Therefore, providing reliable diagnostic and therapeutic tools are the keys to increase the PC survival rate. Nanotechnology is an inchoate field of science that previously scientists' tendency to enhance the efficacy of current preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic methods has oriented them to build a bridge between this science and medicine. In the case of PC, nanotechnology suggests using drug delivery devices for a more effective and targeted therapy. Chitosan is a natural polymer that recently has attracted a lot of attention for being renewable, nontoxic, and bioabsorbable. In this article, we tend to look for the answer to this question: has nanotechnology been successful in using chitosan‐based nanoformulations as carriers for preventing more individuals from suffering or at least increasing the 5‐year survival of the PC patients?
Measuring Multiple Dimensions of Chinese Adolescents’ Attitudes Toward Reading: Introducing the Survey of Adolescent Reading Attitudes to Chinese Teachers
Authors: Wang Xiaocheng , Jin Yuanying
Published: February 2020

The authors examined the cross‐cultural validation of a Chinese version of the Survey of Adolescent Reading Attitudes (CSARA) in a sample of 524 students in grades 7–9 in China. Confirmatory factor analyses revealed that Chinese adolescents’ attitudes toward reading can be measured in four dimensions—attitudes toward academic print, academic digital reading, recreational print, and recreational digital reading—all of which showed adequate internal consistency reliabilities. Additional validity of the CSARA was supported by its significant positive correlations with reading motivation and strategy use. Additionally, the reading medium seemed to be an important factor affecting Chinese adolescents’ attitudes toward recreational reading but not academic reading. Chinese adolescents perceived recreational digital reading differently than the other types of reading. Findings suggest that the culturally expanded Survey of Adolescent Reading Attitudes can provide nuanced but practical information that may foster effective and differentiated teaching practices and offer a valuable frame of reference for guiding future studies.
Hyaluronan‐based hydrogels as versatile tumor‐like models: Tunable ECM and stiffness with genipin‐crosslinking
Authors: Bonnesœur Sarah , Morin‐Grognet Sandrine , Thoumire Olivier , Le Cerf Didier , Boyer Olivier , Vannier Jean‐Pierre , Labat Béatrice
Published: February 2020

Three‐dimensional (3D) biomimetic cell culture platforms offer more realistic microenvironments that cells naturally experience in vivo. We developed a tunable hyaluronan‐based hydrogels that could easily be modified to mimic healthy or malignant extracellular matrices (ECMs). For that, we pre‐functionalized our hydrogels with an adhesive polypeptide (poly‐l‐lysine, PLL) or ECM proteins (type III and type IV collagens), naturally present in tumorous tissues, and next, we tuned their stiffness by crosslinking with gradual concentrations of genipin (GnP). Then, we thoroughly characterized our substrates before testing them with glioblastoma and breast cancer cells, and thereafter with endothelial cells. Overall, our hydrogels exhibited (a) increasing stiffness with GnP concentration for every pre‐functionalization and (b) efficient enzyme resistance with PLL treatment, and also with type IV collagen but to a lesser extent. While PLL‐treated hydrogels were not favorable to the culture of any glioblastoma cell lines, they enhanced the proliferation of breast cancer cells in a stiffness‐dependent manner. Contrary to type III collagen, type IV collagen pre‐treated hydrogels supported the proliferation of glioblastoma cells. The as‐desired HA‐based 3D tumor‐like models we developed may provide a useful platform for the study of various cancer cells by simply tuning their biochemical composition and their mechanical properties.
MEG3 is restored by schisandrin A and represses tumor growth in choriocarcinoma cells
Authors: Ji Li , Ma Li
Published: February 2020

Schisandrin A (SchA) has been reported as a multidrug resistance‐reversing agent; however, its antitumor effects have been rarely reported. Consequently, we attempted to explore whether SchA per se possesses an antitumor property in choriocarcinoma JEG‐3 and BeWo cells and its potential mechanisms. JEG‐3, BeWo, and HTR‐8/SVneo cells were stimulated with SchA at different concentrations (10‐100 μM), and cellular viability was evaluated with Cell Counting Kit‐8. After stimulation with SchA, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were detected by bromodeoxyuridine assay, Annexin V‐fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide (Annexin V‐FITC/PI) method, and a Transwell system, in JEG‐3 cells transfected with short hairpin‐RNA for maternally expressed 3. Western blot was performed to quantify protein. MEG3 was examined by a quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. MEG3 was downregulated in choriocarcinoma tissues. SchA diminished cellular viability, decreased proliferative activity, inhibited migratory and invasive behaviors, and repressed phosphorylation of regulators of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B/nuclear factor κB (PI3K/AKT/NF‐κB) signaling cascade in gestational choriocarcinoma cells. MEG3 was upregulated by SchA in JEG‐3 and BeWo cells. SchA exhibited little suppressive effects in JEG‐3 cells lacking MEG3. Besides, the phosphorylation of transducers was evoked in MEG3‐silenced JEG‐3 cells despite stimulation with SchA. SchA administration repressed the growth of JEG‐3 and BeWo cells by upregulating MEG3. Besides, SchA blocked PI3K/AKT/NF‐κB signal cascade by elevating MEG3.
Participation as a mechanism to favour psychological empowerment and positive interaction: The “Ágora Infantil” participatory democracy programme
Authors: Albornoz‐Manyoma Nazly G. , García‐Leiva Patricia , Palacios‐Gálvez María S.
Published: February 2020

This investigation aims to show the relationship between participation and psychological empowerment and between participation and interaction under an institutional political participation programme. This initiative known as Ágora Infantil (AI) is characterised by an obligatory draw‐based deliberative participation methodology with superordinate goals based on group dynamics, with games playing a central role. The evaluation was carried out using a quasi‐experimental design, with quantitative measurements of the experimental and control groups, along with systematic observation of the target group. The results support the hypotheses proposed: Participation in the AI programme led to an increase in psychological empowerment and positive interactions between the participants. These results offer information as to what design should be used for these types of political initiatives to favour inclusion and empowerment of children, while at the same time improving classroom relationships.
Does SARS‐CoV‐2 has a longer incubation period than SARS and MERS?
Authors: Jiang Xuan , Rayner Simon , Luo Min‐Hua
Published: February 2020

The outbreak of a novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) since December 2019 in Wuhan, the major transportation hub in central China, became an emergency of major international concern. While several etiological studies have begun to reveal the specific biological features of this virus, the epidemic characteristics need to be elucidated. Notably, a long incubation time was reported to be associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, leading to adjustments in screening and control policies. To avoid the risk of virus spread, all potentially exposed subjects are required to be isolated for 14 days, which is the longest predicted incubation time. However, based on our analysis of a larger dataset available so far, we find there is no observable difference between the incubation time for SARS‐CoV‐2, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV), and middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV), highlighting the need for larger and well‐annotated datasets.
Heterogeneity in striatal dopamine circuits: Form and function in dynamic reward seeking
Authors: Collins Anne L. , Saunders Benjamin T.
Published: February 2020

The striatal dopamine system has long been studied in the context of reward learning, motivation, and movement. Given the prominent role dopamine plays in a variety of adaptive behavioral states, as well as diseases like addiction, it is essential to understand the full complexity of dopamine neurons and the striatal systems they target. A growing number of studies are uncovering details of the heterogeneity in dopamine neuron subpopulations. Here, we review that work to synthesize current understanding of dopamine system heterogeneity across three levels, anatomical organization, functions in behavior, and modes of action, wherein we focus on signaling profiles and local mechanisms for modulation of dopamine release. Together, these studies reveal new and emerging dimensions of the striatal dopamine system, informing its contribution to dynamic motivational and decision‐making processes.
Use of the new rotating dilator sheath TightRail™ for lead extraction: A bicentric experience
Authors: Mazzone Patrizio , Melillo Francesco , Radinovic Andrea , Marzi Alessandra , Paglino Gabriele , Della Bella Paolo , Mascioli Giosuè
Published: February 2020

Aim

The aim of this study is to assess the safety and efficacy of the new bidirectional rotational mechanical sheath TightRail™ (Spectranetics) for lead extraction.

Methods and results

This is a bicentric prospective study that included patients who underwent a transvenous lead extraction (TLE) in two Italian centers (San Raffaele Hospital and Humanitas Gavazzeni Hospital). From November 2016 to December 2018, 26 patients underwent a TLE procedure in which the TightRail™ was used. The new TightRail Sub‐C was used in 20 (76%) patients to overcome the fibrosis between the vessel and the first rib. Median age was 69 (IQR 60.7‐79.5) years. The indication for TLE were infection (57.7%) or lead dysfunction (42.3%). A total of 57 leads (range 1‐4), 40 of which using the TightRail (range 1‐4), were extracted. Overall mean implant duration was 98.2.0 ± 66.5 months. Mean age of the lead extracted with the TightRail sheath was 99.1 ± 70.2 months and was higher compared to that of the leads extracted manually (84.4 ± 60.3 months, P = .001). The overall clinical success was 100% and complete procedural success without the use of a snare was achieved in 98.3%. There were no cases of death or major complications and only two minor complications occurred. All patients were event‐free at 6‐month follow‐up.

Conclusion

This initial experience using the TightRail™ suggests a high safety and efficacy profile for extractions in a wide range of lead age.
Uncemented femoral stem orientation and position in total hip arthroplasty: A CT study
Authors: Belzunce Martin A. , Henckel Johann , Di Laura Anna , Hart Alister
Published: February 2020

In total hip arthroplasty (THA), accurate positioning of components is important for the functionality and long life of the implant. Femoral component version has been underinvestigated when compared with the acetabular cup. Accurate prediction of the femoral version on the preoperative plan is particularly important because a well‐fitting uncemented stem will, by definition, press‐fit into a version that is dictated by the anatomy of the proximal femur. A better understanding of this has recently become an unmet need because of the increased use of uncemented stems and of preoperative image‐based planning. We present the first, three‐dimensional (3D) comparison between the planned and achieved orientation and position of the femoral components in THA. We propose a comparison method that uses the 3D models of a, computed tomography‐generated (CT‐generated), preoperative plan and a postoperative CT to obtain the discrepancy in the six possible degrees of freedom. We ran a prospective study (level 2 evidence) of 30 patients undergoing uncemented THA to quantify the discrepancy between planned and achieved femoral stem orientation and position. The discrepancy was low for femoral stem vertical position and leg length, and varus‐valgus and anterior‐posterior orientation. The discrepancy was higher for femoral version with a mean (±SD) of −1.5 ± 7.8 deg. Surgeons should be aware of the variability of the eventual position of uncemented stems in THA and acknowledge the risk of achieving a less‐than‐optimal femoral version, different from the preoperative 3D CT plan.
Leaching of dissolved and particulate phosphorus via preferential flow pathways in a forest soil: An approach using zero‐tension lysimeters
Authors: Makowski Vera , Julich Stefan , Feger Karl-Heinz , Breuer Lutz , Julich Dorit
Published: February 2020

Phosphorus (P) fluxes from forest soils are not well understood. For temperate zone forests, there is some evidence from watershed studies that P export occurs mainly in preferential flow pathways during storm events after dry periods. Therefore, we tested the practical applicability of a sampling approach, which should allow for quantifying P concentrations and fluxes. We used zero‐tension lysimeters, which were installed beneath the topsoil and in the subsoil at plots in the Tharandt Forest (Saxony, East Germany). Two storm events after dry periods were simulated by means of experimental sprinkler irrigation. Preferential flow water collected with the zero‐tension lysimeters was analyzed for total P (TP), particulate P (PP), dissolved organic P (DOP) and dissolved inorganic P (DIP), and the respective P fluxes were calculated. The results indicate that the experimental approach is applicable to estimate fluxes of different P fractions in preferential flow. Measured data point toward a distinct flushing of P in the first hours of heavy rainfall events with PP fraction playing a dominant role. In general, P concentrations decreased quickly during the first 2 h of irrigation and then remained constant. Initial concentrations and cumulative fluxes were highest in the subsoil samplers. For a better understanding of underlying processes, further research with a special focus on the PP fraction is necessary.
Synthesis and Evaluation of New Anionic Gemini Dispersants as Oil Dispersants to Treat Crude Oil Spill Pollution
Authors: Kandeel Eman M. , El‐Din Mahmoud R. Noor , Badr Entsar E. , Mishrif Marwa R. , Nasr Mohamed Hajer G.
Published: February 2020

Floating petroleum oil spills on the marine ecosystem are generally associated with an escalation of serious environmental problems. This research aimed to synthesis five water‐soluble anionic Gemini dispersants to minimize the effect of floating petroleum oil spills on the marine ecosystem. Referring to the spacer type, these dispersant are classified into two categories: the first category is the three acyl amine Gemini dispersants of N,N′‐ diacyl, (distearoyl‐, dipalmitoy‐, and dimyristoyl‐) N,N‐′ sodium 2‐hydroxy 3‐propane sulfonate propane 1,3 diamine, denoted S, P, and M, and the second category is two alkyl amine Gemini dispersants of N,N′dialkyl ‐(dicetyl‐, and dilauryl‐) N,N′‐sodium 2‐hydroxy 3‐propane sulfonate propane 1,3 diamine, denoted C and L. Fourier transform infrared and 1H NMR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, and elemental analysis were used to verify the chemical formula of the synthesized dispersants. The effectiveness of the synthesized dispersants was investigated as regards their dynamic interfacial tension, carbon–chain length, and hydrophilic–lipophilic balance. The dispersion efficiency of the synthesized dispersant was detected qualitatively and quantitatively using the screen test and Warren Spring Laboratory methods, respectively. Experimental outcomes showed that the maximum dispersion efficiency of 94.7 wt% was achieved by dispersant C at a dispersant\oil ratio of 1:20 at 25°C.
Fibro‐osseous Lesions of Paranasal Sinus and Craniofacial Region: A Retrospective Study of 282 Cases
Authors: Dong Dong , Wang Yue , Li Chang , Zhang Hongyan , Zhao Yulin , Lai Jinping
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To compare the clinical characteristics of osteoma, ossifying fibroma (OF) and fibrous dysplasia (FD) in the paranasal sinus and craniofacial regions.

Methods

Totally 282 patients (112 males, 170 females) with osteoma (161), OF (44), and FD (77) involving the paranasal sinus, skull base and orbit treated surgically from January 2012 to August 2018 were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

For osteoma, OF and FD, the onset ages were 40.3 (6–75), 24.5 (5–62), and 15 (1–63) years, and the most common locations were ethmoid sinus (49.7%), maxilla (36.4%) and maxilla (49.4%), respectively. There were significant differences of the preoperative serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels between patients with osteoma (65 [25,184] U/L), OF (85.5 [41,474] U/L), and FD (104 [39,362] U/L) (Z = 44.9, P < .05). The ALP levels of OF and FD patients were comparable between monostotic and polyostotic lesions (P > .05). The recurrent rates of osteoma, OF, and FD were 0%, 13.6%, and 15.6%, respectively. The recurrent OF cases had significantly higher ALP level than the primary ones (283.5 [108,474] U/L vs. 76 [41,348] U/L, U = 14, P < .05).

Conclusion

There are differences in the onset age, location, and recurrence rate among osteoma, OF and FD involving the paranasal sinus and craniofacial region. Osteoma most commonly occurs in the ethmoid sinus, while OF and FD involve the maxilla most and are more likely to involve the orbit and the skull base, respectively. Endoscopic surgery is currently the main method for treatment, but individualized treatment regimen should be developed for patients.

Level of Evidence

IV Laryngoscope, 131:E1–E7, 2021
Additional Injection Laryngoplasty for Patients With Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis
Authors: Choi Nayeon , Won Seongjun , Jin Hokyung , Kim Hack Jung , Park Woori , Son Young‐Ik
Published: February 2020

Objectives

In case of insufficient voice improvement after injection laryngoplasty (IL), additional IL will be one of the next option of treatments. However, little is known about the voice outcomes regarding an additional IL.

Study design

Retrospective comparative study in single institution.

Methods

We enrolled the patients of unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP), who received IL (N = 76) twice because of insufficient voice improvement. The etiologies of UVFP were related with thoracic and esophageal surgery (51.3%), neck surgery (30.3%), skull base surgery (7.9%), or unknown (10.5%). The subjective and objective voice parameters were collected before and after (mean: 5.3 months) each IL.

Results

Aspiration, maximum phonation time (MPT), jitter percentage, shimmer percentage, and noise to harmonic ratio (NHR) were significantly improved after both the first and second rounds of IL (P < .05). Voice handicap index (VHI)–30 was also significantly improved after both the first and second rounds of IL (P < .001). Regarding GRBAS score, overall grade of dysphonia (G), roughness (R), and breathiness (B) were significantly improved after the first IL, but only G and R after the second IL (P < .05). In comparison between postprocedural voice parameters of the first and second ILs, MPT was significantly improved from 5.5 ± 3.5 seconds to 7.3 ± 7.5 seconds (P = .001). Grade of dysphonia (1.9 ± 0.8) and breathiness (1.7 ± 0.9) of post‐first IL were significantly (P < .001) improved to those of post‐second IL (1.3 ± 0.7 and 1.2 ± 0.7, respectively). VHI‐30 of post‐first IL (72.0 ± 20) was significantly improved (P < .001) to those of the second IL (57.2 ± 23.7).

Conclusions

In selected patients, additional IL could provide further improvement of voice in patient who had unsatisfactory voice results despite of initial IL.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 2020
Novel Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Chitosan/Modified Graphene Oxide Biocomposite for Wound Dressing Application
Authors: Chen Siyao , Wang He , Jian Zhiwen , Fei Guoxia , Qian Wei , Luo Gaoxing , Wang Zhanhua , Xia Hesheng
Published: February 2020

Rapid absorption of wound exudate and prevention of wound infection are prerequisites for wound dressing to accelerate wound healing. In this study, a novel kind of promising wound dressing is developed by incorporating polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG)‐modified graphene oxide (mGO) into the poly(vinyl alcohol)/chitosan (PVA/CS) matrix, conferring the dressing the required mechanical properties, higher water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), less swelling time, improved antibacterial activity, and more cell proliferation compared to the PVA/CS film crosslinked by genipin. In vivo experiments indicate that the PVA/CS/mGO composite film can accelerate wound healing via enhancement of the re‐epithelialization. PVA/CS/mGO composite film with 0.5 wt% mGO sheets displays the best wound healing properties, as manifested by the 50% higher antibacterial rate compared to GO and the wound healing rate of the mouse using this dressing is about 41% faster than the control group and 31% faster than the pure PVA/CS dressing. The underlying mechanism of the accelerated wound healing properties may be a result of the improved antibacterial ability to eradicate pathogenic bacteria on the wound area and maintain an appropriate moist aseptic wound healing environment to accelerate re‐epithelialization. These findings suggest that this novel composite PVA/CS/mGO film may have promising applications in wound dressing.
Mobility Tuning of Polyrotaxane Surfaces to Stimulate Myocyte Differentiation
Authors: Sekiya‐Aoyama Ruriko , Arisaka Yoshinori , Yui Nobuhiko
Published: February 2020

Polyrotaxanes, consisting of poly(ethylene glycol) and α‐cyclodextrins, are mechanically interlocked supermolecules. The structure allows α‐cyclodextrins to move along the polymer, referred to as molecular mobility. Here, polyrotaxane‐based triblock copolymers, composed of polyrotaxanes with different degrees of methylation and poly(benzyl methacrylate) at both terminals, are coated on culture surfaces to fabricate dynamic biointerfaces for myocyte differentiation. The molecular mobility increases with the degree of methylation and the contact angle hysteresis of water droplets and air bubbles. When the mouse myoblast cell line C2C12 is cultured on methylated polyrotaxane surfaces, the expression levels of myogenesis‐related genes, myogenin (Myog) and myosin heavy chain (Myhc) are altered by the degree of methylation. Polyrotaxane surfaces with intermediate degrees of methylation promote the highest expression levels among all the surfaces. The polyrotaxane surface provides an appropriate environment for myocyte differentiation by accurately adjusting the degrees of methylation.
Global existence of solutions of initial boundary value problem for nonlocal parabolic equation with nonlocal boundary condition
Authors: Gladkov Alexander , Kavitova Tatiana
Published: February 2020

We prove the global existence and blow‐up of solutions of an initial boundary value problem for nonlinear nonlocal parabolic equation with nonlinear nonlocal boundary condition. Obtained results depend on the behavior of variable coefficients for large values of time.
Compact and low insertion loss UWB on‐chip bandpass filter using coupled meandered line
Authors: Jiang Yan , Tang Wanchun , Shi Yongrong , Zhou Peng , Feng Linping
Published: February 2020

For ultra‐wideband (UWB) communication applications, a low‐loss compact filter is proposed based on coupled lines using the GaAs integrated passive devices (IPD) technology in this letter. The multistage coupling lines are used to realize the ultra‐wide passband with 100% fractional bandwidth. Two modified stubs loaded with shorted capacitors are introduced between coupled lines to produce a new transmission zero near the lower passband edge, resulting in better frequency selectivity performance. Moreover, stepped impedance resonator (SIR) structure is applied to the coupled lines to improve impedance matching performance within ultra‐wide passband. As demonstrated, the proposed filter is fabricated as a chip with a compact size of 1.8 × 1.7 mm2, that is, 0.257 × 0.242 λg2. The measured results show that the insertion loss of the filter is less than 1.5 dB from 6 to 18 GHz with the return loss better than 13.5 dB. All simulated and measured frequency responses of the proposed filter are found to match well with each other, which further demonstrates the claimed superior performances of the proposed filter.
Intravoxel Incoherent Motion at 7 Tesla to quantify human spinal cord perfusion: limitations and promises
Authors: Lévy Simon , Rapacchi Stanislas , Massire Aurélien , Troalen Thomas , Feiweier Thorsten , Guye Maxime , Callot Virginie
Published: February 2020

Purpose

To develop a noninvasive technique to map human spinal cord (SC) perfusion in vivo. More specifically, to implement an intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) protocol at ultrahigh field for the human SC and assess parameters estimation errors.

Methods

Monte‐Carlo simulations were conducted to assess estimation errors of 2 standard IVIM fitting approaches (two‐step versus one‐step fit) over the range of IVIM values reported for the human brain and for typical SC diffusivities. Required signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) was inferred for estimation of the parameters product, fIVIMD* (microvascular fraction times pseudo‐diffusion coefficient), within 10% error margins. In‐vivo IVIM imaging of the SC was performed at 7T in 6 volunteers. An image processing pipeline is proposed to generate IVIM maps and register them for an atlas‐based region‐wise analysis.

Results

Required b = 0 SNRs for 10% error estimation on fIVIMD* with the one‐step fit were 159 and 185 for diffusion‐encoding perpendicular and parallel to the SC axis, respectively. Average in vivo b = 0 SNR within cord was 141 ± 79, corresponding to estimation errors of 12.7% and 14.7% according to numerical simulations. Slice‐ and group‐averaging reduced noise in IVIM maps, highlighting the difference in perfusion between gray and white matter. Mean ± standard deviation fIVIM and D* values across subjects within gray (respectively white) matter were 16.0 ± 1.7 (15.0 ± 1.6)% and 11.4 ± 2.9 (11.5 ± 2.4) × 10−3 mm2/s.

Conclusion

Single‐subject data SNR at 7T was insufficient for reliable perfusion estimation. However, atlas‐averaged IVIM maps highlighted the higher microvascular fraction of gray matter compared to white matter, providing first results of healthy human SC perfusion mapping with MRI.
A locally and cubically convergent algorithm for computing 𝒵‐eigenpairs of symmetric tensors
Authors: Zhao Ruijuan , Zheng Bing , Liang Maolin , Xu Yangyang
Published: February 2020

This paper is concerned with computing ‐eigenpairs of symmetric tensors. We first show that computing ‐eigenpairs of a symmetric tensor is equivalent to finding the nonzero solutions of a nonlinear system of equations, and then propose a modified normalized Newton method (MNNM) for it. Our proposed MNNM method is proved to be locally and cubically convergent under some suitable conditions, which greatly improves the Newton correction method and the orthogonal Newton correction method recently provided by Jaffe, Weiss and Nadler since these two methods only enjoy a quadratic rate of convergence. As an application, the unitary symmetric eigenpairs of a complex‐valued symmetric tensor arising from the computation of quantum entanglement in quantum physics are calculated by the MNNM method. Some numerical results are presented to illustrate the efficiency and effectiveness of our method.