bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Review of Animal Models of NAFLD Finds High‐Fat, High‐Fructose Diets Most Closely Resemble Human NAFLD
Authors: Im Yu Ri , Hunter Harriet , de Gracia Hahn Dana , Duret Amedine , Cheah Qinrong , Dong Jiawen , Fairey Madison , Hjalmarsson Clarissa , Li Alice , Lim Hong Kai , McKeown Lorcán , Mitrofan Claudia‐Gabriela , Rao Raunak , Utukuri Mrudula , Rowe Ian A. , Mann Jake P.
Published: May 2021

Background and Aims

Animal models of human disease are a key component of translational hepatology research, yet there is no consensus on which model is optimal for NAFLD.

Approach and Results

We generated a database of 3,920 rodent models of NAFLD. Study designs were highly heterogeneous, and therefore, few models had been cited more than once. Analysis of genetic models supported the current evidence for the role of adipose dysfunction and suggested a role for innate immunity in the progression of NAFLD. We identified that high‐fat, high‐fructose diets most closely recapitulate the human phenotype of NAFLD. There was substantial variability in the nomenclature of animal models: a consensus on terminology of specialist diets is needed. More broadly, this analysis demonstrates the variability in preclinical study design, which has wider implications for the reproducibility of in vivo experiments both in the field of hepatology and beyond.

Conclusions

This systematic analysis provides a framework for phenotypic assessment of NAFLD models and highlights the need for increased standardization and replication.
Distributive health literacy and medication management: A longitudinal qualitative study with Bhutanese former refugees in Tasmania
Authors: Murray Linda , Elmer Shandell , Breen Juanita , Nash Rosie
Published: May 2021

Issue addressed

Tasmania, Australia is home to a population of Bhutanese former refugees who have resettled since 2007. Their refugee journey and disrupted education opportunities have resulted in gaps in literacy in their primary language (Nepali), and many suffer one or more chronic conditions (ongoing communicable or noncommunicable diseases (NCDs)). This research explored how this community perceives chronic conditions and managed their medication using the concept of distributed health literacy.

Methods

A longitudinal qualitative method was used whereby 15 former refugees and their carers were interviewed 3‐4 times over 9 months. Data were thematically analysed using a hybrid approach of inductive and deductive coding and theme development.

Results

Four themes related to distributed health literacy were identified. These were “barriers to medication literacy and adherence,” “support people as health literacy mediators,” “understandings of chronic disease” and “strengthening distributed health literacy.” Participants described managing relatively low levels of knowledge about their chronic conditions and medications by appointing support people who acted as health literacy mediators. This resulted in interactions with health professionals, information gathering and medication use being enacted collectively between family members. Carers felt responsible for supporting others who were new to the Australian health system to learn new skills in addition to assisting with tasks such as informal interpreting.

So what?

Interventions to improve the health literacy of former refugees should focus on collective critical health literacy action rather than just the functional health literacy of individuals. Health literacy mediators are a vital form of support for former refugees managing chronic conditions, so must be included in education and support programs.
Cattaneo–Christov flux and entropy in thermofluidics involving shrinking surface
Authors: Vyas Paresh , Khan Sahanawaz , Gajanand
Published: May 2021

The paper examines radiative Casson boundary layer flow over an exponentially shrinking permeable sheet in a Cattaneo–Christov heat flux environment. The sheet is placed at the bottom of the fluid‐saturated porous medium and suction is applied normally to the sheet to contain the vorticity. The radiative heat flux in the energy equation is assumed to follow the Rosseland approximation. Similarity transformation is performed to convert the governing partial differential equations into ordinary differential equations. The resulting boundary value problem is treated numerically employing Runge–Kutta fourth‐order integration scheme along with the shooting method. The effects of pertinent parameters on quantities of interest are showcased graphically/in tabular form and are discussed. The dual profiles for velocity and temperature lead to a dual solution regime for entropy. It is found that critical mass suction rate and Nusselt number are substantially responsive to various parameters' values. Critical suction values decrease with a rise in Casson parameter β and permeability parameter K. Skin friction coefficient and Nusselt number show peculiar behavior for distinct branches of solutions.
Maternal sensitivity and warmth in Singapore: Cultural insights from comparing the Ainsworth and Emotional Availability Scales
Authors: Cheung Hoi Shan
Published: May 2021

The convergence between sensitivity scores on the Ainsworth and Emotional Availability Scales was examined, along with their associations with maternal warmth, children's language ability and likeability by peers in preschool. Participants were 167 mothers and their child aged 4–6 (55.7% girls) from the four major ethnic groups in Singapore (Chinese, Malay, Indian and Other). Emotional availability (EA) sensitivity was positively related to Ainsworth sensitivity and maternal warmth, but the overlap was not large, pointing to key conceptual differences that were discussed in light of cultural considerations. Contrary to expectation, Ainsworth sensitivity was more closely linked to maternal warmth than EA sensitivity was. Ainsworth sensitivity and warmth were related to less pragmatic difficulty and better likeability by female peers among preschoolers. The findings suggest that sensitivity and warmth may have a positive functional value despite the prevalence of emotional restraint in this cultural context.
Interfacial engineering of lithium‐polymer batteries with in situ UV cross‐linking
Authors: Rojaee Ramin , Plunkett Samuel , Rasul Md Golam , Cheng Meng , Jabbari Vahid , Shahbazian‐Yassar Reza
Published: May 2021

Developing promising solid‐state Li batteries with capabilities of high current densities have been a major challenge partly due to large interfacial resistance across the electrode/electrolyte interfaces. This work represents an integrated network of self‐standing polymer electrolyte and active electrode materials with in situ UV cross‐linking. This method provides a uniform morphology of composite polymer electrolyte with low thickness of 20–40 μm. This modification leads to promising cycling results with 85% specific capacity retention in Li||LiFePO4 cell over 100 cycles at high current densities of 170 mA g−1 (~25 μA cm−2, 1 C). By applying this method, the interfacial resistance decreases as high as seven folds compared to noncross‐linked interfaces. The following work introduce a facile and cost‐effective method in developing fast‐charging self‐standing polymer batteries with enhanced electrochemical properties.

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Describing ground and excited state potential energy surfaces for molecular photoswitches using coupled cluster models
Authors: Hutcheson Anders , Paul Alexander Christian , Myhre Rolf H. , Koch Henrik , Høyvik Ida‐Marie
Published: May 2021

In this article, we use two extensively studied systems, a retinal model system and azobenzene, to explore the use of coupled cluster models for describing ground and singlet excited state potential energy surfaces of photoswitchable systems. While not being suitable for describing nuclear dynamics of photoisomerization, coupled cluster models have useful attributes, such as the inclusion of dynamical correlation, their black box nature, and the systematic improvement offered by truncation level. Results for the studied systems show that when triple excitations (here through the CC3 model) are included, ground and excited state potential energy surfaces for isomerization paths may reliably be generated, also for states of doubly excited character. For ground state equilibrium cis‐ and trans‐azobenzene, the molecular geometry and basis set is seen to significantly impact the vertical excitation energies for the two lowest excited states. Efficient implementations of coupled cluster models can therefore constitute valuable tools for investigating photoswitchable systems and can be used for preliminary black box studies to gather information before more complicated excited state dynamics approaches are pursued.
Enhanced photovoltaic performance of dye‐sensitized solar cell based on ZnO nanoparticles and ZnO/graphene nanocomposites
Authors: Yousif Qahtan A. , Mahdi Khudhair Mohammed , Alshamsi Hassan Abbas
Published: May 2021

For clean, inexpensive, and renewable power source, dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC) has attracted more attention in recent decades. DSSC faces various challenges that lead scientists to further research. In this study, the efficiency of DSSC was improved through the development of a new ZnO nanoparticles and ZnO/graphene nanocomposite as a photoanode electrode and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), PEDOT/multi wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT), and Pt as a counter electrode. Synthesized samples were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, brunauer emmett teller (BET)‐barrett joyner halenda (BJH), and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis) spectroscopy. Various DSSC with different photoanode and counter electrode were fabricated in this study. Results showed that graphene has much impact on the performance of DSSC. ZnO/graphene and Pt‐based solar cell showed an open circuit voltage of 0.78 V and the fill factor 0.75 and 11.53 conversion efficiency under the one sunlight irradiation. For the ZnO/graphene and PEDOT/MWCNT case, open circuit voltage of 0.65 V and the fill factor 0.83 and 5.542 conversion efficiency was measured.
Dysregulation of Rnf 213 gene contributes to T cell response via antigen uptake, processing, and presentation
Authors: Tashiro Ryosuke , Niizuma Kuniyasu , Kasamatsu Jun , Okuyama Yuko , Rashad Sherif , Kikuchi Atsuo , Fujimura Miki , Kure Shigeo , Ishii Naoto , Tominaga Teiji
Published: May 2021

Growing evidence suggest the association between Moyamoya disease (MMD) and immune systems, such as antigen presenting cells in particular. Rnf213 gene, a susceptibility gene for MMD, is highly expressed in immune tissues, however, its function remains unclear. In addition, the physiological role of RNF213 gene polymorphism c.14576G > A (rs112735431), susceptibility variant for MMD, is also poorly understood. By studying Rnf213‐knockout (Rnf213‐KO) mice with deletion of largest exon32 and Rnf213‐knockin (Rnf213‐KI) mice with insertion of single‐nucleotide polymorphism corresponding to c.14576G > A mutation in MMD patients, we aimed to investigate the role of RNF213 in dendritic cell development, and antigen processing and presentation. First, we found a high level of Rnf213 gene expression in conventional DCs and monocytes. Second, flow cytometric and confocal microscopic analysis revealed ovalbumin protein‐pulsed Rnf213‐KO and Rnf213‐KI DCs showed impaired antigen uptake, proteolysis and reduced numbers of endosomes and lysosomes, and thereby failed to activate and proliferate antigen‐specific T cells efficiently. In addition, Rnf213‐KI DCs showed a similar phenotype to that of Rnf213‐KO BMDCs. In conclusion, our findings suggest the critical role of RNF213 in antigen uptake, processing and presentation.
An assessment of the analytical performance of non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in detecting sex chromosome aneuploidies: 34,717‐patient sample in a single prenatal diagnosis Centre in China
Authors: Luo Yanmei , Hu Huamei , Zhang Rong , Ma Yongyi , Pan Yan , Long Yang , Hu Bin , Yao Hong , Liang Zhiqing
Published: May 2021

Objective

The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a non‐invasive prenatal test (NIPT) in the detection of the sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs) at our prenatal diagnosis centre.

Methods

Among a cohort of 34,717 pregnancies, maternal plasma samples from our prenatal diagnosis centre were subject to analysis of SCAs using NIPT detection. Pregnant women with NIPT positive results of SCAs were recommended to undergo an invasive prenatal diagnosis (i.e. karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization) to validate the prediction value of NIPT.

Results

From 34,717 clinical pregnancies, 229 (0.66%) pregnancies were identified with SCAs. Of these, 78 (34.1%) cases were positive for 45,X and 151 (65.9%) cases comprised a sex chromosome trisomy. Of the 229 positive NIPT results, 193 (84.3%) cases had accepted an invasive diagnosis involving karyotyping analysis of the amniotic fluid, which confirmed 67 cases (34.7%) as true positive, as well as 126 cases (65.3%) as false positive. The positive predictive values were 23.07%, 50%, 36% and 27.27% respectively. The remaining 36 (15.7%) cases declined a prenatal diagnosis. The termination rates of 45,X, 47,XXY, 47,XXX and 47,XYY were 20.5%,46%,12.9% and 11.5% respectively.

Conclusions

NIPT demonstrated a lower accuracy in predicting monosomy X than sex chromosome trisomies. After invasive testing, the fetal chromosome with 45,X and 47,XXY were terminated more often than those with 47,XXX, 47,XYY. Because NIPT is a screening test, false positive/negative cases exist, and pre‐ and post‐test counselling is essential for informing patients about the benefits and limitations of the test. Confirmatory testing of abnormal results is recommended prenatally or after birth, and the importance of confirmatory testing and benefits of early diagnosis should be addressed.
Declining neutrophil production despite increasing G-CSF levels is associated with chronic inflammation in elderly rhesus macaques
Authors: He Ziyuan , Fahlberg Marissa D , Takahashi Naofumi , Slisarenko Nadia , Rout Namita , Didier Elizabeth S , Kuroda Marcelo J
Published: May 2021

Aging is characterized by a loss of bone marrow hematopoietic tissue, systemic chronic inflammation, and higher susceptibility to infectious and noninfectious diseases. We previously reported the tightly regulated kinetics and massive daily production of neutrophils during homeostasis in adult rhesus macaques aged 3 to 19 yr (equivalent to approximately 10 to 70 yr of age in humans). In the current study, we observed an earlier release of recently dividing neutrophils from bone marrow and greater in-group variability of neutrophil kinetics based on in vivo BrdU labeling in a group of older rhesus macaques of 20–26 yr of age. Comparing neutrophil numbers and circulating cytokine levels in rhesus macaques spanning 2 to 26 yr of age, we found a negative correlation between age and blood neutrophil counts and a positive correlation between age and plasma G-CSF levels. Hierarchic clustering analysis also identified strong associations between G-CSF with the proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1β and MIP-1α. Furthermore, neutrophils from older macaques expressed less myeloperoxidase and comprised higher frequencies of polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) compared to the young adult macaques. In summary, we observed an earlier release from bone marrow and a reduced production of neutrophils despite the increased levels of plasma G-CSF, especially in the elderly rhesus macaques. This lower neutrophil production capacity associated with increased production of proinflammatory cytokines as well as an earlier release of less mature neutrophils and PMN-MDSCs may contribute to the chronic inflammation and greater susceptibility to infectious and noninfectious diseases during aging.
Applications of isothermal titration calorimetry in pure and applied research from 2016 to 2020
Authors: Falconer Robert J. , Schuur Boelo , Mittermaier Anthony K.
Published: May 2021

The last 5 years have seen a series of advances in the application of isothermal titration microcalorimetry (ITC) and interpretation of ITC data. ITC has played an invaluable role in understanding multiprotein complex formation including proteolysis‐targeting chimeras (PROTACS), and mitochondrial autophagy receptor Nix interaction with LC3 and GABARAP. It has also helped elucidate complex allosteric communication in protein complexes like trp RNA‐binding attenuation protein (TRAP) complex. Advances in kinetics analysis have enabled the calculation of kinetic rate constants from pre‐existing ITC data sets. Diverse strategies have also been developed to study enzyme kinetics and enzyme‐inhibitor interactions. ITC has also been applied to study small molecule solvent and solute interactions involved in extraction, separation, and purification applications including liquid‐liquid separation and extractive distillation. Diverse applications of ITC have been developed from the analysis of protein instability at different temperatures, determination of enzyme kinetics in suspensions of living cells to the adsorption of uremic toxins from aqueous streams.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Major Depression: Comparing Commonly Used Clinical Protocols
Authors: Philip Noah S. , Doherty Ryan A. , Faucher Christiana , Aiken Emily , van ‘t Wout‐Frank Mascha
Published: May 2021

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is increasingly being used to treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) comorbid with major depressive disorder (MDD). Yet, identifying the most effective stimulation parameters remains an active area of research. We recently reported on the use of 5 Hz TMS to reduce PTSD and MDD symptoms. A recently developed form of TMS, intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS), appears noninferior for treating MDD. Because iTBS can be delivered in a fraction of the time, it provides significant logistical advantages; however, evaluations of whether iTBS provides comparable PTSD and MDD symptom reductions are lacking. We performed a retrospective chart review comparing clinical outcomes in veterans with PTSD and MDD who received iTBS (n = 10) with a matched cohort that received 5‐Hz TMS (n = 10). Symptoms were evaluated using self‐reported rating scales at baseline and every five treatments for up to 30 sessions. Both protocols were safe and reduced symptoms, ps < .001, but veterans who received iTBS reported poorer outcomes. These results were observed using mixed‐model analyses, Group x Time interaction: p = .011, and effect sizes, where 5 Hz TMS demonstrated superior PTSD and MDD symptom improvement, ds = 1.81 and 1.51, respectively, versus iTBS, ds = 0.63 and 0.88, respectively. Data from prior controlled trials of iTBS, with increased stimulation exposure, have appeared to provide comparable clinical outcomes compared with 5 Hz TMS. Prospective and controlled comparisons are required; however, the present findings provide important information for clinicians using TMS to treat these commonly comorbid disorders.
Astragaloside alleviates alcoholic fatty liver disease by suppressing oxidative stress
Authors: Jiang Zhi‐Bin , Gao Jie , Chai Yi‐Hui , Li Wen , Luo Yun‐Feng , Chen Yun‐Zhi
Published: May 2021

Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) is the most common liver disease and can progress to fatal liver cirrhosis and carcinoma, affecting millions of patients worldwide. The functions of astragaloside on the cardiovascular system have been elucidated. However, its role in AFLD is unclear. Ethanol‐treated AML‐12 cells were used as a cell model of alcoholic fatty liver. Real‐time quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR and Western blotting detected genes and proteins expressions. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), triglyceride, total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein, albumin, ferritin, bilirubin, superoxide dismutase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were examined using commercial kits. Lipid accumulation was assessed by Oil red O staining. MTT and flow cytometry measured cell viability and apoptosis. JC‐1 was used to analyze mitochondrial membrane potential. A rat model of AFLD was established by treating rats with ethanol. Astragaloside suppressed ethanol‐induced lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, and the production of AST and ALT in AML‐12 cells. Ethanol induced TNF‐α and reduced IL‐10 expression, which were reversed by astragaloside. Ethanol promoted Bax expression and cytochrome C release and inhibited Bcl‐2 and ATP expression. Astragaloside hampered these apoptosis effects in AML‐12 cells. Impaired mitochondrial membrane potential was recovered by astragaloside. However, all these astragaloside‐mediated beneficial effects were abolished by the ROS inducer pyocyanin. Ethanol‐induced activation of NF‐κB signaling was suppressed by astragaloside in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that astragaloside inhibited oxidative stress by suppressing the activation of NF‐κB signaling, thus improving liver function and alleviating AFLD in rats. Our study elucidates the pharmacological mechanism of astragaloside and provides potential therapeutic strategies for AFLD.
Intratympanic Steroid Injection Complicated by Iatrogenic Perilymphatic Fistula: A Cautionary Tale
Authors: Qureshi Hannan A. , Zeitler Daniel M.
Published: May 2021

Intratympanic (IT) steroid therapy is a mainstay treatment for sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) for both initial therapy and salvage therapy. We report a rare case of iatrogenic perilymphatic fistula that resulted from trauma during an IT steroid injection for SSNHL. We discuss the diagnosis and treatment in the current case and compare it with previous reports from the literature. Laryngoscope, 131:2088–2090, 2021
Efficacy of sacral neuromodulation and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation in the treatment of chronic nonobstructive urinary retention: A systematic review
Authors: Ho Felicia Ching Siew , He Carl , Yao Henry Han‐I , O'Connell Helen E. , Gani Johan
Published: May 2021

Aim

The aim of this systematic review is to provide an updated report on the efficacy and complications of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) in the treatment of chronic nonobstructive urinary retention (CNOUR), with a focus on the contemporary technique of SNM utilizing the percutaneous placement of tined leads.

Methods

This systematic review was conducted with the use of PRISMA guidelines and registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020208052). A systematic literature search was conducted in Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane databases. Inclusion criteria include English language and human participants. Exclusion criteria include SNM studies involving less than 10 CNOUR patients, studies containing data obtained using open, surgical implantation of nontined leads, and studies that only reported the test phase success rate with no long‐term efficacy data. The risk of bias assessment was conducted using the National Institutes of Health study quality assessment tool.

Results

A total of 16 papers studies were included (11 SNM and 5 PTNS) in this review. The success rate for SNM ranges between 42.5% and 100% (median = 79.2%) for the test stimulation phase and 65.5%–100% (median = 89.1%) in the long term. Most SNM studies reported revision and explantation rates of lesser than 20%. The success rate was much lower for PTNS, in the 50%–60% range and complications were minimal.

Conclusion

SNM using the contemporary percutaneous tined lead implantation technique appears to be an effective treatment for CNOUR and is durable in the long term. Compared to SNM, PTNS appears less efficacious with less evidence supporting its use in CNOUR. Further prospective studies are required to define the role of PTNS in the treatment of CNOUR.
Modeling and discretization of flow in porous media with thin, full‐tensor permeability inclusions
Authors: Starnoni Michele , Berre Inga , Keilegavlen Eirik , Martin Nordbotten Jan
Published: May 2021

When modeling fluid flow in fractured reservoirs, it is common to represent the fractures as lower‐dimensional inclusions embedded in the host medium. Existing discretizations of flow in porous media with thin inclusions assume that the principal directions of the inclusion permeability tensor are aligned with the inclusion orientation. While this modeling assumption works well with tensile fractures, it may fail in the context of faults, where the damage zone surrounding the main slip surface may introduce anisotropy that is not aligned with the main fault orientation. In this article, we introduce a generalized dimensional reduced model which preserves full‐tensor permeability effects also in the out‐of‐plane direction of the inclusion. The governing equations of flow for the lower‐dimensional objects are obtained through vertical averaging. We present a framework for discretization of the resulting mixed‐dimensional problem, aimed at easy adaptation of existing simulation tools. We give numerical examples that show the failure of existing formulations when applied to anisotropic faulted porous media, and go on to show the convergence of our method in both two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional.
Determining the effects of blended learning using the community of inquiry on nursing students' learning gains in sudden patient deterioration module
Authors: Liu Weichu , Wang Jun , Zhang Han , Yu Changfeng , Liu Shuai , Zhang Cen , Yu Jingya , Liu Qiao , Yang Bing
Published: May 2021

Aims

To determine the effectiveness of blended learning using the community of inquiry framework on nursing students' learning gains in a sudden patient deterioration module.

Design

A quasi‐experimental trial.

Methods

233 Chinese nursing students in their fourth semester of a sudden patient deterioration learning module were assigned to control (N = 113) and experimental group (N = 120). Students in experimental group engaged in community of inquiry‐based blended learning in sudden patient deterioration module, including computer‐aided self‐instruction, team‐based topic discussion and simulation training. Control group learned similar contents through face‐to‐face teaching comprising of a presentation with lecture, tutorial and simulation training. Student assessment of learning gains, knowledge and practical ability was quantified after the interventions.

Results

Compared with control group, students in experimental group had improved student assessment of learning gains (p = .001, Cohen d = 0.69) and practical ability (p < .001, Cohen d = 0.48). Although no significant difference in overall knowledge score, experimental group students did better performance in application and analysis (p = .001, Cohen d = 0.45).
Relative Dose Intensity of Chemotherapy and Survival in Patients with Advanced Stage Solid Tumor Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Nielson Carrie M. , Bylsma Lauren C. , Fryzek Jon P. , Saad Hossam A. , Crawford Jeffrey
Published: May 2021

Background

Chemotherapy-induced toxicities lead to therapy dose reduction or delay, affecting patient outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the impact of relative dose intensity (RDI) on survival in adult patients with solid tumor cancer on nonadjuvant-based chemotherapy regimens.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for peer-reviewed English journal articles or congress abstracts evaluating association between RDI and survival; observational studies, case series of ≥20 patients, and clinical trials published between 2013 and 2020 were eligible. Meta-analyses were conducted to quantify the association between RDI levels and overall survival (OS) among studies reporting a hazard ratio (HR) for OS by similar tumor types, regimens, and RDI. Forest plots represented summary HR and 95% confidence interval (CI); Cochran's Q and I2 tests evaluated study heterogeneity.

Results

Overall, 919 articles were reviewed and 22 included; seven were eligible for meta-analysis. Significantly shorter OS at RDI <80% versus ≥80% and <85% versus ≥85% was observed upon meta-analysis of four carboplatin-based studies for breast, non-small cell lung, or ovarian cancer (HR 1.17; 95% CI: 1.07–1.27) and three FOLFOX-, FOLFIRI-, or FOLFIRINOX-based studies for colorectal or pancreatic cancer (HR 1.39; 95% CI: 1.03–1.89). Grade 3 or higher hematologic toxicities were higher for carboplatin-based regimens (thrombocytopenia: 14%–22%; anemia: 15%–19%; neutropenia: 24%–58%) than FOLFOX-, FOLFIRI-, or FOLFIRINOX-based regimens (thrombocytopenia: 1%–4%; anemia: 5%–19%; neutropenia: 19%–47%).

Conclusion

The results suggested longer OS with RDI ≥80% or ≥85% for both regimens, indicating that management of toxicities across treatment modalities may contribute to maintenance of higher RDI and benefit survival for patients with advanced solid tumors.

Implications for Practice

Chemotherapy-induced toxicities lead to dose reduction and/or treatment delay, thus affecting patient outcomes. Results of this systematic review and meta-analysis, evaluating the impact of relative dose intensity (RDI) on survival of patients with solid tumors on nonadjuvant-based chemotherapy regimens, demonstrate a longer overall survival with RDI levels of at least 80% for patients with solid tumors on carboplatin-based and FOLFOX-, FOLFIRI-, or FOLFIRINOX-based chemotherapy regimens, suggesting a protective effect of maintaining RDI ≥80% or ≥ -85%. Although grade 3 or higher hematologic toxicities occurred more in carboplatin-based studies, managing toxicities across treatment regimens may contribute to maintenance of higher RDI and ultimately benefit overall survival.
Bioabsorbable flexible elastomer of PTMC‐b‐PEG‐b‐PTMC copolymer as intestinal anastomosis scaffold
Authors: Wu Lei , Li Xujian , Li Pengpeng , Pan Luqi , Ji Zhixiao , Feng Yakai , Shi Changcan
Published: May 2021

Artificial intestinal devices play an important role for intestinal anastomosis, while there is not a suitable candidate with the characteristics for this application. It is necessary to develop a biodegradable tissue‐compliant intestinal anastomosis device. Herein, the triblock copolymers of poly(trimethylene carbonate)‐b‐polyethylene glycol‐b‐poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC‐b‐PEG‐b‐PTMC) were prepared with different degradation properties by adjustable the block proportions. These copolymers were electrospun to fabricate the intestinal anastomosis scaffolds. Considering the degradation, mechanical properties, and hydrophilicity of the triblock copolymers, the scaffolds with PEG content ranging from 10% to 20% were suitable for implantation evaluation. The flexible scaffolds with PEG content of 15% were selected to perform animal experiments. The results showed that the scaffolds loaded with triclosan could effectively promote the healing of intestinal wounds and reduce the probability of intestinal fistula, intestinal obstruction, and other complications. The scaffolds are a promising candidate for clinical intestinal implants.
Nylon—A material introduction and overview for biomedical applications
Authors: Shakiba Mohamadreza , Rezvani Ghomi Erfan , Khosravi Fatemeh , Jouybar Shirzad , Bigham Ashkan , Zare Mina , Abdouss Majid , Moaref Roxana , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: May 2021

Nylon is a human‐made material and has been applied in many industrial fields. This literature review explores the use of nylon in biomedical applications and discusses the properties and three‐dimensional (3D) printability of this material. Nylon is studied due to its versatility as an engineering plastic that can be easily transformed into fibers, films, and molded parts. Due to nylon's biocompatible nature, it has desirable chemical stability and tunable mechanical properties making this material and its derivatives widely used as sutures, catheters, dentures, and so on. However, the interactions between nylon and human body tissues have yet to be fully understood. Nevertheless, nylon is hybridized with different materials and used as skin dressings. In recent years, nylon composites have been actively researched in tissue engineering as an alternative to metallic implants with an appropriate bioactivity potential for bone growth. As nylon is supposed to be in contact with the tissue for a long time, hence researchers are developing antimicrobial strategies for the nylon materials to even promote their potential a step further. The 3D printing of nylon is currently confined to specific applications due to the printing technology's current limitations.
To investigate interfacial interaction between soy protein isolate biocomposite thin films reinforced with poly (vinyl alcohol) matrix
Authors: Gautam Sanjeev , Sharma Bhasha , Jain Purnima
Published: May 2021

The development of synthetic polymers makes profit for industry but creates some serious environmental problems. Due to environmental concerns, various biodegradable polymers are used by industries for different applications. These polymers are used as a replacement of synthetic polymers. They are obtained from nature and used as an overflow material for solid waste system. Nowadays, SPI is mostly used as a biodegradable polymer in plastic indutsries due to low cost and easy availability. It is obtained from plants and primarily utilized by food industry for packaging applications. Recently , it is frequently utilized as a prime material for preparation of various products such as containers, trays, fibers, and packaging material. The present work represents the preparation of SPI/PVA biocomposite thin films via solution casting method. These films were investigated for their thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties. The structural properties were performed by XRD and FTIR. The tensile strength and the thermal stability of the prepared biocomposites were reduced due to inclusion of SPI in PVA film. The surface morphology revealed the information of uniform dispersion and roughness of SPI molecules onto the surface of PVA matrix. The aim of this paper is to prepare SPI/PVA biocomposite for packaging applications.
A scoping method for human performance integrity and reliability assessment in process industries
Authors: Kyriakidis Miltos , Dang Vinh N.
Published: May 2021

An approach to manage human performance related risks in petrochemical sector is to use human reliability analyses (HRA) techniques. However, the focus of HRAs on individuals and on decomposed tasks overlooks the likelihood that collective actions and behaviors might lead to system failures. This study introduces an alternative approach, referred to as Human Performance Integrity (HPI) index, to assess human performance conditions on the whole, as they relate to safety, in petrochemical facilities. Additionally, the approach is used to rate installations in terms of their defenses against safety‐relevant human failures. The HPI index is built upon the notions of Cognitive Reliability and Error Analysis Method. By means of a 42‐question survey, data was collected on the factors that improve or reduce human performance in 11 oil refineries. Data was used to assess the facilities' safety performance. Results were compared against information obtained from relevant investigation reports, as well as and an independent evaluation of the facilities carried out by certified auditors. Findings support the use of HPI index from novice and experienced scholars and/or practitioners as a quick and effortless, yet sound and efficient manner to assess safety and reliability performance of oil refineries from a human factors perspective.
An Auxetic Metamaterial with Tunable Positive to Negative Hygrothermal Expansion by means of Counter‐Rotating Crosses
Authors: Lim Teik-Cheng
Published: May 2021

A type of mechanical metamaterial is proposed, whereby the effective coefficients of thermal and moisture expansions (CTE and CME, respectively) can be tuned from positive to negative values while maintaining a consistently auxetic (negative Poisson's ratio) behavior for the overall structure. Each unit consists of a pair of equal‐armed crosses pin jointed at their centers, whereas their ends are connected via bridging beams using pin joints to facilitate free rotation. The bridging beams are of lower modulus and higher hygrothermal expansivity to permit negativity in metamaterial's overall Poisson's ratio and hygrothermal expansion. Two sets of effective Young's modulus, CME and CTE models are developed—one set for large deformation and the other for infinitesimal deformation. Results indicate that the effective Young's modulus is reduced while the expansion coefficients become more negative as the inclination angle of the equal‐armed crosses increases, and that the application of tensile and compressive loads increases and decreases the effective Young's modulus, respectively. The establishment of effective zero thermal and moisture expansion conditions facilitates the application of the metamaterial structure that requires auxetic property within highly fluctuating environmental condition.
Use of saline to evaluate a cavity due to Mycobacterium kansasii infection during ultrathin bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasonography
Authors: Hamaguchi Megumi , Kurimoto Noriaki , Tsubata Yukari , Okuno Takae , Tanino Akari , Hotta Takamasa , Isobe Takeshi
Published: May 2021

A 28‐year‐old man had a cavitary lesion in the upper right lobe with a tree‐in‐bud appearance on chest computed tomography (CT). Diagnostic bronchoscopy was performed. An ultrathin bronchoscope in the right B2aiiβxyy reached the cavity. We filled the cavity with saline under direct bronchoscopic visualization. We suspected a blood vessel was present in the cavity wall based on narrow‐band imaging. Bronchial lavage of the cavity was performed. Next, endobronchial ultrasonography (EBUS) using a guide sheath was performed with a thin bronchoscope. EBUS showed a pulsating blood vessel in the cavity wall. Bronchial lavage collected with ultrathin and thin bronchoscopy revealed Mycobacterium kansasii. Observation of vessels in the wall of a cavitary lesion with ultrathin bronchoscopy and EBUS may be useful for avoiding severe bleeding associated with biopsy of a cavitary lesion.
memory fault detection filtering design for uncertain systems with finite frequency specifications
Authors: Zhao Rong , Liu Lu , Feng Gang
Published: May 2021

This article is concerned with the memory fault detection filtering design in finite frequency domain for discrete‐time systems with polytopic uncertainties. Under the assumption that both disturbances and faults are restricted to finite frequency ranges, that is, the low, middle, or high frequency range, an admissible memory fault detection filter is developed by using historical information of the system. It is shown that the asymptotic stability with prescribed performance of the closed‐loop filtering error system is guaranteed. It is also shown that by using historical system outputs along with parameter‐dependent Lyapunov functions, the better performance of the resulting fault detection filter is obtained. With the aid of Projection lemma, sufficient conditions for the fault detection filtering design are established by solving an optimization problem in the form of a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Finally, three examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed approach.
The deflection of reinforced concrete beams containing recycled steel fibers
Authors: Fantilli Alessandro P. , Orfeo Benedetta , Pérez Caldentey Alejandro
Published: May 2021

A 3‐stage model is used to evaluate the results of an experimental campaign, previously carried out with the aim of studying the deflection of reinforced concrete structures made with reinforced concrete (RC) and fiber‐reinforced concrete (R/FRC). In particular, 12 four‐point bending tests were performed on beams, whose cross‐sections were obtained by combining four effective ratios of the tensile reinforcement (i.e., 0.73%, 1.7%, 3%, and 6.3%), two concrete covers (i.e., 32 mm and 82 mm), and three amounts of steel fibers (0, 0.5%, and 1.0% in volume) recycled from end‐of‐life tyres. In reinforced beams with low reinforcement ratios, there is a reduction in deflections and the load at yielding of steel increases with the content of fibers. On the contrary, the mechanical behavior of R/FRC and RC beams does not substantially differ in presence of a high effective reinforcement ratio. These experimental observations are in accordance with the results of the three‐stage model, introduced herein to predict the possible variation of the load‐deflection curves. For a given deflection, the model provides a possible range of applied loads, whose upper bound is related to the situation of incipient cracking (i.e., the maximum tension stiffening effects), whereas the lower bound concerns a fully cracked beam (i.e., the minimum tension stiffening effects). Regardless of the content of fibers, the difference between the upper and lower bounds vanishes in highly reinforced concrete beams.
Studies on secondary progressive collapse‐resistance mechanisms of reinforced concrete subassemblages
Authors: Huang Min , Huang Hua , Hao Runqi , Chen Zhen , Li Ming , Deng Wanchao
Published: May 2021

The developments of compressive arch action (CAA) and tensile catenary action (TCA) in beams can provide secondary loads for resisting progressive collapse. However, to date, the contributions of CAA and TCA in regards to progressive collapse have not been considered in design codes, owing to inadequate studies. In this study, a division of resistant mechanisms was initially proposed. Then, based on an experimental model of beam‐column subassemblages, a finite‐element model was established using ABAQUS software, and was validated against experimental results. Subsequently, the calibrated finite element model was employed to study the effects of different constraints (such as ideal fixed constraints, sliding constraints, the beam‐column stiffness ratio, and axial compression ratio) on the secondary progressive collapse‐resistance mechanisms of reinforced concrete (RC) subassemblages. The results show that when the constraints are weaker than the fixed supports, the CAA capacity is larger than that of the TCA. The axial compression ratio in the column slightly increases the first peak load, but the beam‐column subassemblages fail earlier, owing to the large eccentric bending moment. The CAA capacity and TCA capacity increase with a decreasing beam‐stiffness ratio, and the CAA capacity increases faster than the TCA capacity. In addition, a theoretical model is proposed for assessing the resistance provided by a CAA.
Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenolysis of Glycerol over Heterogeneous Catalysts: A Short Review on Mechanistic Studies
Authors: Liu Xi , Yin Bin , Zhang Wenxiang , Yu Xiao , Du Yiyao , Zhao Siming , Zhang Guangyu , Liu Mengyuan , Yan Hao , Abbotsi‐Dogbey Manuela , Al‐Absi Saleem T. , Yeredil Sayan , Yang Chaohe , Shen Jian , Yan Wenjuan , Jin Xin
Published: May 2021

Catalytic transfer hydrogenolysis, using liquid H‐donors in the absence of pressurized H2 under mild temperatures, is regarded as the most important technology to substitute traditional hydrogenation processes in industry. Despite decade development with several breakthroughs in catalyst design, the reaction mechanism involved in H2 generation and subsequent hydrogenolysis reactions is still under debate. In this review, transfer hydrogenolysis of glycerol, as a representative example, on metallic catalysts is revised critically with respect to surface reaction mechanism and catalyst design. The detailed reaction pathways for propanol, methanol, formic acid and ethanol for H2 generation have been discussed systematically. In particular, reaction mechanism for catalytic C−H cleavage, H spillover/transfer and C−O cleavage reaction steps will be critically revised with experimental and theoretical results in literature. Insights into reaction pathways, mechanism and H2 transfer efficiency and structure‐performance relation for Pd, Cu and Ni catalysts will be provided for future development of catalyst manufacture and process development. The outcome of this work is useful for successful implementation of bio‐refinery.
Heterogeneous multiphase flow properties of volcanic rocks and implications for noble gas transport from underground nuclear explosions
Authors: Heath Jason E. , Kuhlman Kristopher L. , Broome Scott T. , Wilson Jennifer E. , Malama Bwalya
Published: May 2021

Of interest to the Underground Nuclear Explosion Signatures Experiment are patterns and timing of explosion‐generated noble gases that reach the land surface. The impact of potentially simultaneous flow of water and gas on noble gas transport in heterogeneous fractured rock is a current scientific knowledge gap. This article presents field and laboratory data to constrain and justify a triple continua conceptual model with multimodal multiphase fluid flow constitutive equations that represents host rock matrix, natural fractures, and induced fractures from past underground nuclear explosions (UNEs) at Aqueduct and Pahute Mesas, Nevada National Security Site, Nevada, USA. Capillary pressure from mercury intrusion and direct air–water measurements on volcanic tuff core samples exhibit extreme spatial heterogeneity (i.e., variation over multiple orders of magnitude). Petrographic observations indicate that heterogeneity derives from multimodal pore structures in ash‐flow tuff components and post‐depositional alteration processes. Comparisons of pre‐ and post‐UNE samples reveal different pore size distributions that are due in part to microfractures. Capillary pressure relationships require a multimodal van Genuchten (VG) constitutive model to best fit the data. Relative permeability estimations based on unimodal VG fits to capillary pressure can be different from those based on bimodal VG fits, implying the choice of unimodal vs. bimodal fits may greatly affect flow and transport predictions of noble gas signatures. The range in measured capillary pressure and predicted relative permeability curves for a given lithology and between lithologies highlights the need for future modeling to consider spatially distributed properties.
Lowering post‐construction yield assessment uncertainty through better wind plant power curves
Authors: Bodini Nicola , Optis Mike , Perr‐Sauer Jordan , Simley Eric , Fields M. Jason
Published: May 2021

Many operational analyses of wind power plants require a statistical relationship, which can be called the wind plant power curve, to be developed between wind plant energy production and concurrent atmospheric variables. Currently, a univariate linear regression at monthly resolution is the industry standard for post‐construction yield assessments. Here, we evaluate the benefits in augmenting this conventional approach by testing alternative regressions performed with multiple inputs, at a finer time resolution, and using nonlinear machine‐learning algorithms. We utilize the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's open‐source software package OpenOA to assess wind plant power curves for 10 wind plants. When a univariate generalized additive model at daily or hourly resolution is used, regression uncertainty is reduced, in absolute terms, by up to 1.0% and 1.2% (corresponding to a −59% and −80% relative change), respectively, compared to a univariate linear regression at monthly resolution; also, a more accurate assessment of the mean long‐term wind plant production is achieved. Additional input variables also reduce the regression uncertainty: when temperature is added as an input to the conventional monthly linear regression, the operational analysis uncertainty connected to regression is reduced, in absolute terms, by up to 0.5% (−43% relative change) for wind power plants with strong seasonal variability. Adding input variables to the machine‐learning model at daily resolution can further reduce regression uncertainty, with up to a −10% relative change. Based on these results, we conclude that a multivariate nonlinear regression at daily or hourly resolution should be recommended for assessing wind plant power curves.