bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demodex Mite Infections in Ophthalmic Patients on Indonesian Islands: The ICS Humanitarian Aid Report
Authors: Chudzicka-Strugała Izabela , Mądry Ida Judyta , Malesza Michał , Kwan Aij Lie , Winardi William , Piotrowska-Brudnicka Sylwia , Mądry Radosław , Walkowiak Jarosław , Mądry Edyta
Published: July 2019

Objective:

Demodex is the most common external human parasite. It has been suggested that the Demodex infection may be associated with malnutrition, nutritional deficiencies, reduced immunity, and poor hygiene. The patients who benefitted from humanitarian aid in Indonesia, often demonstrated the abovementioned risk factors. The aim of the present report was to assess the prevalence of Demodex infestation in ophthalmic patients in Indonesian.

Patients and methods:

A total of 217 individuals (132 women) with ocular discomfort, who presented to the ophthalmologist in mission points in Indonesia (Bali, Java, and Papua, the province of Indonesia in the New Guinea Island) were checked for the presence of Demodex on their eyelashes and underwent an anthropometric examination.

Results:

The prevalence of ocular demodicosis varies from 71.2% in Bali to 89.2% in Papua. There were no statistically significant differences between the islands, urban or rural areas, or between sexes. A statistically significant difference was found between nutritional status and Demodex infestation (P = 0.0007). Malnourished and overweight patients had odds of being infested with Demodex that were approximately 8 and 3 times higher, respectively, compared with subjects with a normal body mass index.

Conclusions:

Ocular demodicosis is very common in medically underserved areas of Bali, Java, and Papua, where it exceeds the frequency observed in countries of the northern hemisphere. An abnormal nutritional status comprising of both malnutrition and being overweight appears to be a risk factor for Demodex infection. This issue requires further research.
High‐Performance Silicon Anodes Enabled By Nonflammable Localized High‐Concentration Electrolytes
Authors: Jia Haiping , Zou Lianfeng , Gao Peiyuan , Cao Xia , Zhao Wengao , He Yang , Engelhard Mark H. , Burton Sarah D. , Wang Hui , Ren Xiaodi , Li Qiuyan , Yi Ran , Zhang Xin , Wang Chongmin , Xu Zhijie , Li Xiaolin , Zhang Ji‐Guang , Xu Wu
Published: July 2019

Silicon anodes are regarded as one of the most promising alternatives to graphite for high energy‐density lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), but their practical applications have been hindered by high volume change, limited cycle life, and safety concerns. In this work, nonflammable localized high‐concentration electrolytes (LHCEs) are developed for Si‐based anodes. The LHCEs enable the Si anodes with significantly enhanced electrochemical performances comparing to conventional carbonate electrolytes with a high content of fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC). The LHCE with only 1.2 wt% FEC can further improve the long‐term cycling stability of Si‐based anodes. When coupled with a LiNi0.3Mn0.3Co0.3O2 cathode, the full cells using this nonflammable LHCE can maintain >90% capacity after 600 cycles at C/2 rate, demonstrating excellent rate capability and cycling stability at elevated temperatures and high loadings. This work casts new insights in electrolyte development from the perspective of in situ Si/electrolyte interphase protection for high energy‐density LIBs with Si anodes.
Nanocrystal/Metal–Organic Framework Hybrids as Electrocatalytic Platforms for CO2 Conversion
Authors: Guntern Yannick T. , Pankhurst James R. , Vávra Jan , Mensi Mounir , Mantella Valeria , Schouwink Pascal , Buonsanti Raffaella
Published: July 2019

The tunable chemistry linked to the organic/inorganic components in colloidal nanocrystals (NCs) and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) offers a rich playground to advance the fundamental understanding of materials design for various applications. Herein, we combine these two classes of materials by synthesizing NC/MOF hybrids comprising Ag NCs that are in intimate contact with Al‐PMOF ([Al2(OH)2(TCPP)]) (tetrakis(4‐carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (TCPP)), to form Ag@Al‐PMOF. In our hybrids, the NCs are embedded in the MOF while still preserving electrical contact with a conductive substrate. This key feature allows the investigation of the Ag@Al‐PMOFs as electrocatalysts for the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR). We show that the pristine interface between the NCs and the MOFs accounts for electronic changes in the Ag, which suppress the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and promote the CO2RR. We also demonstrate a minor contribution of mass‐transfer effects imposed by the porous MOF layer under the chosen testing conditions. Furthermore, we find an increased morphological stability of the Ag NCs when combined with the Al‐PMOF. The synthesis method is general and applicable to other metal NCs, thus revealing a new way to think about rationally tailored electrocatalytic materials to steer selectivity and improve stability.
Base Metal Catalyzed Isocyanide Insertions
Authors: Collet Jurriën W. , Roose Thomas R. , Ruijter Eelco , Maes Bert U. W. , Orru Romano V. A.
Published: July 2019

Isocyanides are diverse C1 building blocks considering their potential to react with nucleophiles, electrophiles, and radicals. Therefore, perhaps not surprisingly, isocyanides are highly valuable as inputs for multicomponent reactions (MCRs) and other one‐pot cascade processes. In the field of organometallic chemistry, isocyanides typically serve as ligands for transition metals. The coordination of isocyanides to metal centers alters the electronic distribution of the isocyano moiety, and reaction pathways can therefore be accessed that are not possible in the absence of the metal. The tunable reactivity of the isocyanide functional group by transition metals has evolved into numerous useful applications. Especially palladium‐catalyzed isocyanide insertion processes have emerged as powerful reactions in the past decade. However, reports on the use of earth‐abundant and cheap base metals in these types of transformations are scarce and have received far less attention. In this Minireview, we focus on these emerging base metal catalyzed reactions and highlight their potential in synthetic organic chemistry. Although mechanistic studies are still scarce, we discuss distinct proposed catalytic cycles and categorize the literature according to 1) the (hetero)atom bound to and 2) the type of bonding with the transition metal in which the (formal) insertion occurs.
Deconstructing Oligomer Distributions: Discrete Species and Artificial Distributions
Authors: De Neve Jeroen , Haven Joris J. , Harrisson Simon , Junkers Tanja
Published: July 2019

The separation of an oligo(methyl acrylate) distribution, obtained from reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, in a discrete (dispersity=1) oligomeric library (degree of polymerization between 1 and 22) is presented. The properties of this library in terms of diffusivity, glass transition temperature, and viscosity are determined, filling a significant knowledge gap associated with these materials. The obtained oligomer library is used to construct artificial oligomer distributions on demand. These artificial oligomer distributions are used to highlight the potential to tailor physical properties of a material, while concomitantly demonstrating the limitations associated with size‐exclusion chromatography analysis of molecular weight and dispersity in particular.
High mortality of adult female Magellanic penguins by gillnet fisheries in southern Brazil
Authors: Fogliarini Carine de Oliveira , Bugoni Leandro , Haimovici Manuel , Secchi Eduardo Resende , Cardoso Luís Gustavo
Published: July 2019

Bycatch in gillnet fisheries is one of the main threats to several penguin species. Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) are caught by gillnets during their wintering in southern Brazil. However, current information is based only on a small number of sets observed during a single fishing trip.

This study assesses bycatch rates of bottom and drift gillnets operating in southern Brazil, and describes the sex and age classes of individuals captured.

In 80 bottom gillnet sets, 33 penguins were captured (85% adults), 14 were sexed of which 13 were females. In 41 drift gillnet sets, four penguins were captured, three of which were juveniles.

The mean bycatch rates, measured as number of penguins km−2 of net and number of penguins km−2 h−1, were significantly higher for the drift gillnets.

Despite the lower bycatch rates, owing to the higher fishing effort in terms of number of boats, net length, net area, soak time and fishing season, the magnitude of penguin bycatch in the bottom gillnet fishery cannot be ignored.

Despite based on small sample size, the predominance of adult and female Magellanic penguins as bycatch in gillnet fisheries in southern Brazil agrees with previous studies suggesting that females displace further north than males. In addition, such evidence contributes to the male‐biased sex ratio in breeding grounds, and the long‐term decline of major Patagonian colonies owing to higher female mortality during winter.
Isolating and expanding endothelial progenitor cells from peripheral blood on peptide‐functionalized polystyrene surfaces
Authors: Elkhodiry Mohamed A. , Boulanger Mariève D. , Bashth Omar , Tanguay Jean‐François , Laroche Gaétan , Hoesli Corinne A.
Published: July 2019

The expansion of human peripheral blood endothelial progenitor cells to obtain therapeutically relevant endothelial colony‐forming cells (ECFCs) has been commonly performed on xeno‐derived extracellular matrix proteins. For cellular therapy applications, xeno‐free culture conditions are desirable to improve product safety and reduce process variability. We have previously described a novel fluorophore‐tagged RGD peptide (RGD‐TAMRA) that enhanced the adhesion of mature endothelial cells in vitro. To investigate whether this peptide can replace animal‐derived extracellular matrix proteins in the isolation and expansion of ECFCs, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 22 healthy adult donors were seeded on RGD‐TAMRA‐modified polystyrene culture surfaces. Endothelial colony formation was significantly enhanced on RGD‐TAMRA‐modified surfaces compared to the unmodified control. No phenotypic differences were detected between ECFCs obtained on RGD‐TAMRA compared to ECFCs obtained on rat‐tail collagen‐coated surfaces. Compared with collagen‐coated surfaces and unmodified surfaces, RGD‐TAMRA surfaces promoted ECFC adhesion, cell spreading, and clonal expansion. This study presents a platform that allows for a comprehensive in vitro evaluation of peptide‐based biofunctionalization as a promising avenue for ex vivo ECFC expansion.
Why don't we see more action? A metasynthesis of the investor impediments to integrate environmental, social, and governance factors
Authors: Friede Gunnar
Published: July 2019

Investors increasingly commit to consider environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in their investment decisions. However, the challenges of investors for a holistic integration of ESG factors in their investment decisions are manifold and endanger reaching urgent societal goals. The paper uses metasynthesis to develop a comprehensive understanding of these impediments from a diverse set of papers. Supported by textual analysis, it identifies 161 different topics, which are subsumed within groups and aggregated along a four‐pillar framework of market‐, firm‐, regulatory‐, and individual‐based impediments. The most prominent impediments are found in the areas of a perceived lack of a business case, the quality of data, the absence of clear standards and definitions, and various behavioral biases. Moreover, a considerable research–practice gap in framing the relevant research questions that contribute to the slow‐moving integration process is discovered. Focusing additionally on potential blind spots on the investor and research sides will prove to be important for swifter ESG integration.
Housing discrimination and racial cancer disparities among the 100 largest US metropolitan areas
Authors: Beyer Kirsten M. M. , Laud Purushottam W. , Zhou Yuhong , Nattinger Ann B.
Published: July 2019

Background

Cancer contributes substantially to the life expectancy gap between US blacks and whites, and racial cancer disparities remain stubborn to eradicate. Disparities vary geographically, suggesting that they are not inevitable.

Methods

The authors examined the relationship between housing discrimination and the size of cancer disparities across large US metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). MSA‐level cancer disparities were measured using data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mortgage discrimination for each MSA was estimated using the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act database, and MSA racial segregation was determined using US Census data. Patterns of housing discrimination and cancer disparities were mapped, and the associations between these place‐based factors and cancer disparities across MSAs were measured.

Results

Black‐to‐white cancer mortality disparities (rate ratios) varied geographically, ranging from 1.50 to 0.86; 88% of mortality ratios were >1, indicating higher mortality for blacks. In areas with greater mortgage discrimination, the gap between black and white cancer mortality rates was larger (correlation coefficient [r] = 0.32; P = .001). This relationship persisted in sex‐specific analyses (males, r = 0.37; P < .001; females, r = 0.23; P = .02) and in models controlling for confounders. In contrast, segregation was inconsistently associated with disparities. Adjusting for incidence disparities attenuated, but did not eliminate, the correlation between mortgage discrimination and mortality disparities (r = 0.22‐0.24), suggesting that cancer incidence and survival each account for part of the mortality disparity.

Conclusions

Mortgage discrimination is associated with larger black‐to‐white cancer mortality disparities. Some areas are exceptions to this trend. Examination of these exceptions and of policies related to housing discrimination may offer novel strategies for explaining and eliminating cancer disparities.
The impact of targeted therapies and immunotherapy in melanoma brain metastases: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rulli Eliana , Legramandi Lorenzo , Salvati Lorenzo , Mandala Mario
Published: July 2019

Background

Targeted therapies (TT), combination immunotherapy (CMI), and monoimmunotherapy (MI) in combination with radiotherapy (CRI) or not are commonly used in patients with melanoma brain metastases, but studies that directly compare these strategies are lacking. The current meta‐analysis aimed to better elucidate their activity and efficacy.

Methods

A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, and conference proceedings up to January 2019 was performed to identify trials investigating combination TT, monotargeted TT (mono TT), MI, CMI, and CRI in melanoma brain metastases. The outcomes considered were progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and the objective response rate (ORR) as evaluated at both intracranial and extracranial sites. Random effects models were used to compare the different therapeutic strategies.

Results

A total of 15 trials were included that provided 1132 patients for analyses. CMI demonstrated a statistically significant better OS compared with MI (P = .03, P = .05, and P = .03, respectively, at 6 months, 18 months, and 24 months) and combination TT (P = .04 and P = .03, respectively, at 18 months and 24 months). CMI demonstrated a statistically significant better PFS compared with combination TT (P < .001 at 12 months and 18 months), MI (P = .02, P < .02, and P = .05, respectively, at 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months), and mono TT (P < .001 at 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months). The intracranial objective response rate was higher with CMI compared with mono TT (P < .001) and MI (P < .001), whereas there was no difference between CMI and combination TT.

Conclusions

The results of the current meta‐analysis suggested that CMI increases long‐term PFS and OS compared with MI and combination TT. Combination TT and CMI are associated with a similar intracranial response rate. The role of systemic therapy in combination with radiotherapy remains to be better elucidated.
Effects of Strong CYP2C8 or CYP3A Inhibition and CYP3A Induction on the Pharmacokinetics of Brigatinib, an Oral Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Inhibitor, in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Tugnait Meera , Gupta Neeraj , Hanley Michael J. , Sonnichsen Daryl , Kerstein David , Dorer David J. , Venkatakrishnan Karthik , Narasimhan Narayana
Published: July 2019

In vitro data support involvement of cytochrome P450 (CYP)2C8 and CYP3A4 in the metabolism of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitor brigatinib. A 3‐arm, open‐label, randomized, single‐dose, fixed‐sequence crossover study was conducted to characterize the effects of the strong inhibitors gemfibrozil (of CYP2C8) and itraconazole (of CYP3A) and the strong inducer rifampin (of CYP3A) on the single‐dose pharmacokinetics of brigatinib. Healthy subjects (n = 20 per arm) were administered a single dose of brigatinib (90 mg, arms 1 and 2; 180 mg, arm 3) alone in treatment period 1 and coadministered with multiple doses of gemfibrozil 600 mg twice daily (BID; arm 1), itraconazole 200 mg BID (arm 2), or rifampin 600 mg daily (QD; arm 3) in period 2. Compared with brigatinib alone, coadministration of gemfibrozil with brigatinib did not meaningfully affect brigatinib area under the plasma concentration‐time curve (AUC0–inf; geometric least‐squares mean [LSM] ratio [90%CI], 0.88 [0.83‐0.94]). Coadministration of itraconazole with brigatinib increased AUC0–inf (geometric LSM ratio [90%CI], 2.01 [1.84‐2.20]). Coadministration of rifampin with brigatinib substantially reduced AUC0–inf (geometric LSM ratio [90%CI], 0.20 [0.18‐0.21]) compared with brigatinib alone. The treatments were generally tolerated. Based on these results, strong CYP3A inhibitors and inducers should be avoided during brigatinib treatment. If concomitant use of a strong CYP3A inhibitor is unavoidable, the results of this study support a dose reduction of brigatinib by approximately 50%. Furthermore, CYP2C8 is not a meaningful determinant of brigatinib clearance, and no dose modifications are needed during coadministration of brigatinib with CYP2C8 inhibitors.
In silico Complexes of Amino Acids and Diamondoids
Authors: Partovi‐Azar Pouya , Sarap Chandra Shekar , Fyta Maria
Published: July 2019

We report on the specific interaction of a small diamond‐like molecule, known as diamondoid, with single amino‐acids forming nano/bio molecular complexes. Using time‐dependent density‐functional theory calculations we have studied two different relative configurations of three prototypical amino acids, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan, with the diamondoid. The optical and charge‐transfer properties of these complexes exhibit amino acid and topology specific features which can be directly utilized for in the direction of novel biomolecule detection schemes.
Advanced IEEE 802.11ax TCP aware scheduling under unreliable channels
Authors: Sharon Oran , Alpert Yaron
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we suggest advanced IEEE 802.11ax (WiFi) TCP‐aware scheduling strategies for optimizing the TCP Goodput AP operation under transmission of unidirectional TCP traffic to downloading stations. Our scheduling strategies optimize the TCP Goodput performance using the capability for Multi User transmissions over the Uplink, first introduced in IEEE 802.11ax, together with Multi User transmissions over the Downlink. The scheduling strategies are based on Transmission Opportunities (TXOP), and we suggest three scheduling strategies determining the TXOP formation parameters. In one of the strategies, one can control the achieved TCP Goodput vs the delay. We also assume saturated TCP transmission queues. We show that with minimal TCP Goodput degradation, one can avoid considerable delays: It turns out that for TCP Data segments of 1460 bytes, achieving optimal TCP Goodput requires TXOPs of 25 ms, while if one loses only 5% of the optimal Goodput, TXOPs can be of only 3 ms. For TCP Data segments of 256 bytes, the TXOPs are of 13 and 5 ms, respectively.
Interspecific visitation of cattle and badgers to fomites: A transmission risk for bovine tuberculosis?
Authors: Campbell Emma L. , Byrne Andrew W. , Menzies Fraser D. , McBride Kathryn R. , McCormick Carl M. , Scantlebury Michael , Reid Neil
Published: July 2019

In Great Britain and Ireland, badgers (Meles meles) are a wildlife reservoir of Mycobacterium bovis and implicated in bovine tuberculosis transmission to domestic cattle. The route of disease transmission is unknown with direct, so‐called “nose‐to‐nose,” contact between hosts being extremely rare. Camera traps were deployed for 64,464 hr on 34 farms to quantify cattle and badger visitation rates in space and time at six farm locations. Badger presence never coincided with cattle presence at the same time, with badger and cattle detection at the same location but at different times being negatively correlated. Badgers were never recorded within farmyards during the present study. Badgers utilized cattle water troughs in fields, but detections were infrequent (equivalent to one badger observed drinking every 87 days). Cattle presence at badger‐associated locations, for example, setts and latrines, were three times more frequent than badger presence at cattle‐associated locations, for example, water troughs. Preventing cattle access to badger setts and latrines and restricting badger access to cattle water troughs may potentially reduce interspecific bTB transmission through reduced indirect contact.
A system for rapid eDNA detection of aquatic invasive species
Authors: Thomas Austen C. , Tank Samantha , Nguyen Phong L. , Ponce Jake , Sinnesael Mieke , Goldberg Caren S.
Published: July 2019

Environmental DNA (eDNA) detection of aquatic invasive species using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is a powerful tool for resource managers, but qPCR has traditionally been confined to laboratory analysis. Laboratory results often take days or weeks to be produced, limiting options for rapid management response. To circumvent laboratory delay, we combined a purpose‐built eDNA filtration system (Smith‐Root eDNA‐Sampler) with a field DNA extraction and qPCR analysis platform (Biomeme) to form a complete field eDNA sampling and detection process. A controlled laboratory study involving serial dilutions of New Zealand mudsnail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum; Gray, 1843) eDNA was conducted to compare the detection capabilities of the field system with traditional bench qPCR. Additionally, field validation studies were conducted to determine whether field eDNA analysis can be used to map mudsnail eDNA distribution and quantify temporal fluctuations. In the laboratory experiment, both qPCR platforms (Biomeme, bench qPCR) lost the ability to reliably detect mudsnail eDNA at the same dilution level, with starting quantity values as low as 21 DNA copies/reaction. A strong linear relationship was observed between the average quantification cycle values of the two platforms (slope = 1.101, intercept = −1.816, R2 = 0.997, p < 0.001). Of the 80 field samples collected, 44 (55%) tested positive for mudsnail eDNA with Biomeme, and results identified both spatial and temporal fluctuations in mudsnail eDNA/L. However, the average qPCR inhibition rate with Biomeme was 28% for field samples, and up to 39% in the temporal dataset. With additional optimization to reduce inhibition, the eDNA‐Sampler/Biomeme system has potential to be a rapid and highly effective detection/quantification tool for aquatic invasive species.
Enaminone, Enaminoesters, and Related Compounds in the Metal‐Free Synthesis of Pyridines and Fused Pyridines
Authors: Stanovnik Branko
Published: July 2019

This minireview presents the synthesis and applications of enaminones, enaminoesters, and related compounds. A metal‐free synthesis of pyridines and fused pyridines, pyridyl‐substituted amino acids, hydroxy acids, and polyols which is enabled by ring switching methodology is described, as well as a simple metal‐free synthesis of aryl‐substituted pyridines, and polysubstituted pyridines from polysubstituted butadiene.
The pilot results of 47 148 cases of BJ‐DRGs‐based payment in China
Authors: Zeng Jun‐Qun
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Diagnosis‐related groups (DRGs)‐based payment is an important tool for containment of inpatient expenditure rise in many countries. As a major developing country, China has introduced DRGs in the health reform. Beijing, the capital of China, developed a local DRGs version (BJ‐DRGs) whose performance needs to be evaluated before universal utilization. The objective of this study was to survey the effect of BJ‐DRGs‐based payment on a pilot hospital.

Methods

We surveyed the profit and loss situation of 47 148 cases of hospital discharged patients in 107 groups of pilot BJ‐DRGs‐based payment from December 2011 to July 2018 in certain top tertiary hospital in Beijing.

Results

In pilot 107 groups of DRGs, there were 77 groups (71.96%) in profit and 30 groups (28.04%) in loss; average length of inpatient stay was 7.47 days, average inpatient expenditure ¥17 821.19, average DRGs standard unit price ¥15 896.83, average self‐pay expenditure ¥1 117.04, and average profit ¥1 849.65; logistic regression showed that whether the pilot hospital of BJ‐DRGs‐based payment was in profit or loss was correlated negatively with inpatient expenditure, length of inpatient stay, drug expenditure, expenditure of medical consumables, and pilot years, and positively with DRGs standard unit price, self‐pay expenditure, and age and gender (P < .0001).

Conclusion

BJ‐DRGs‐based payment is the first implemented DRGs‐based prospective payment system in China. The current DRGs pilot model made the pilot hospital appear profitable as a whole and its length of inpatient stay decline.
Nanomedicines towards targeting intracellular Mtb for the treatment of tuberculosis
Authors: Donnellan Samantha , Giardiello Marco
Published: July 2019

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), causes the most human deaths than any other diseases from a single infectious agent. Treatments are long and costly and have many associated side effects. Intracellular bacilli are slow growing and difficult to target, which is augmenting the emergence of multi‐drug resistance. A hallmark trait of TB is the formation of granulomas, chronic cellular aggregates, which limit bacterial growth but provides a survival reservoir where bacilli may disseminate from. Targeting intracellular Mtb is challenging, but nanomedicine may offer a solution. Nanomedicine is a significantly growing research area and offers the potential for specific disease targeting, dosage reduction, and intracellular drug delivery. This review discusses the application of the various forms of nanomedicine towards targeting of Mtb.
Distribution of rotavirus genotypes in the postvaccine introduction era in Ashaiman, Greater Accra Region, Ghana, 2014‐2016
Authors: Letsa Victor , Damanka Susan , Dennis Francis , Lartey Belinda , Armah George E. , Betrapally Naga , Gautam Rashi , Esona Mathew D. , Bowen Michael D. , Quaye Osbourne
Published: July 2019

Group A Rotaviruses (RVAs) are the most important etiological agents of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children less than 5 years of age. Mortality resulting from RVA gastroenteritis is higher in developing countries than in developed ones, causing a huge public health burden in global regions like Africa and South‐East Asia. This study reports RVA genotypes detected in Ashaiman, Greater Accra Region, Ghana, in the postvaccine introduction era for the period 2014‐2016. Stool samples were collected from children less than 5 years of age who visited Ashaiman Polyclinic with AGE from November 2014 to May 2015 and from December 2015 to June 2016. The samples were tested by enzyme immunoassay (EIA), and one‐step multiplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed on the EIA positive samples for gel‐based binomial genotyping. Of the 369 stool samples collected from children with AGE, 145 (39%) tested positive by EIA. Five VP7 (G1, G3, G9, G10, and G12) and three VP4 (P[4], P[6] and P[8]) genotypes were detected. Eight G/P combinations were identified of which, G3P[6], G12P[8], G1P[8], and G9P[4] were the most prevalent and responsible for 93 (68%) of the AGE cases, and seven mixed‐types were detected which represented 8% of the RVA cases. High prevalence, diversity, and mixed‐types of RVAs were detected from Ashaiman with the emergence of unusual genotypes.
Relationships of varicella zoster virus (VZV)‐specific cell‐mediated immunity and persistence of VZV DNA in saliva and the development of postherpetic neuralgia in patients with herpes zoster
Authors: Park Seong Yeon , Kim Ji Yeun , Kwon Ji‐Soo , Jeon Na Young , Kim Min‐Chul , Chong Yong Pil , Lee Sang‐Oh , Choi Sang‐Ho , Kim Yang Soo , Woo Jun Hee , Kim Sung‐Han
Published: July 2019

There are no surrogate markers for the development of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in patients with herpes zoster (HZ). All patients with HZ were prospectively enrolled to evaluate the associations of saliva varicella zoster virus (VZV) DNA persistence and VZV‐specific cell‐mediated immunity (CMI) with the development of PHN. Slow clearers were defined if salivary VZV DNA persisted after day 15. Salivary VZV was detected in 60 (85.7%) of a total of 70 patients with HZ on initial presentation. Of 38 patients for whom follow‐up saliva samples were available, 26 (68.4%) were classified as rapid clearers and 12 (31.6%) as slow cleares. Initial VZV‐specific CMI was lower in slow clearers than rapid clearers (median 45 vs 158 spot forming cells/10
6 cells,
P = .02). Of the 70 patients with HZ, 22 (31.4%) eventually developed PHN. Multivariate analysis showed that slow clearers (OR, 15.7,
P = .01) and lower initial VZV‐specific CMI (OR, 13.8,
P = .04) were independent predictors of the development of PHN, after adjustment for age and immunocompromised status. Initial low VZV CMI response and persistence of VZV DNA in saliva may be associated with the development of PHN.
Tendon Biomechanics and Crimp Properties Following Fatigue Loading Are Influenced by Tendon Type and Age in Mice
Authors: Zuskov Andrey , Freedman Benjamin R. , Gordon Joshua A. , Sarver Joseph J. , Buckley Mark R. , Soslowsky Louis J.
Published: July 2019

In tendon, type‐I collagen assembles together into fibrils, fibers, and fascicles that exhibit a wavy or crimped pattern that uncrimps with applied tensile loading. This structural property has been observed across multiple tendons throughout aging and may play an important role in tendon viscoelasticity, response to fatigue loading, healing, and development. Previous work has shown that crimp is permanently altered with the application of fatigue loading. This opens the possibility of evaluating tendon crimp as a clinical surrogate of tissue damage. The purpose of this study was to determine how fatigue loading in tendon affects crimp and mechanical properties throughout aging and between tendon types. Mouse patellar tendons (PT) and flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendons were fatigue loaded while an integrated plane polariscope simultaneously assessed crimp properties at P150 and P570 days of age to model mature and aged tendon phenotypes (N = 10–11/group). Tendon type, fatigue loading, and aging were found to differentially affect tendon mechanical and crimp properties. FDL tendons had higher modulus and hysteresis, whereas the PT showed more laxity and toe region strain throughout aging. Crimp frequency was consistently higher in FDL compared with PT throughout fatigue loading, whereas the crimp amplitude was cycle dependent. This differential response based on tendon type and age further suggests that the FDL and the PT respond differently to fatigue loading and that this response is age‐dependent. Together, our findings suggest that the mechanical and structural effects of fatigue loading are specific to tendon type and age in mice. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:36–42, 2020
Screening of populations at high risk for breast cancer
Authors: Lee Tiffany C. , Reyna Chantal , Shaughnessy Elizabeth , Lewis Jaime D.
Published: July 2019

The approach to screening patients at high risk for breast cancer has thus far been challenging to standardize, given limited high‐level evidence in this population. The approach has evolved given the development of more effective screening modalities, including digital breast mammography, magnetic resonance imaging, and other emerging technologies. This review will discuss identification of high‐risk patients, approaches to genetic counseling and testing, and evidence behind screening modalities and algorithms in this special population.
Improvement of Surgical Scars by Early Intervention With Carbon Dioxide Fractional Laser
Authors: Zhang Yunsong , Liu Yanhua , Cai Bing , Luo Chengen , Li Dongni , Wang Suijiang , Sun Zhongsheng , Luo Sheng‐Kang
Published: July 2019

Background and Objectives

Laser therapy during the early stage of wound healing can reduce surgical scar formation. Previous clinical trials showed that ablative fractional laser (AFL) therapy might have achieved the best outcomes; however, there was no consensus on the laser therapy protocol. The current study investigated the efficacy of early intervention with carbon dioxide FL (CO2 FL) in reducing the surgical scars in patients of all age groups to understand the effects of specific intervention timing, light dose, number of treatments, treatment interval on the therapeutic outcome, and side effects.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Within 1 week after suture removal, 18 patients received low‐energy CO2 FL therapy on their incisional wounds from facial or neck surgery. The treatments were performed once every 3 months for 1–3 sessions. After the surgical treatment, we applied a topical gel that contained recombinant human epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the incisional wounds to facilitate wound healing. The outcomes were evaluated by the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and a satisfaction survey (the quartile grading scale) before and 3 months after completing the therapy was conducted. During the same period, 15 patients who had not received any treatment for about one year after face and neck surgery were randomly selected as the untreated control group.

Results

In the treatment group, 18 patients had no obvious scar marks after the laser therapy. The satisfaction survey showed excellent outcomes in 16 (88.9%) patients and good outcomes in two (11.1%). After treatment, the average VSS scale and satisfaction score of the treatment group were 1.11 and 3.89, respectively; while the average VSS scale of the control group was 3.07 and the satisfaction score was 1.93. There were significant differences in VSS scale and satisfaction score between the treatment group and the control group (P < 0.01). No adverse effects were observed.

Conclusions

Early intervention with CO2 FL on surgical wounds achieved satisfactory outcomes in improving the surgical scars. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hybrid Electroactive Shape Memory Polymer Composites with Room Temperature Deformability
Authors: Sun Yu‐Chen , Chu Marco , Huang Morris , Hegazi Omer , Naguib Hani E.
Published: July 2019

Polymeric blend shape memory polymers (SMPs) can be constructed from two immiscible polymeric matrices. The shape recovery behavior of these composite systems can be easily controlled by varying the ratio of the polymer blends. It has been recently discovered that the functionality of SMPs can be further enhanced with electroactive ability through the use of conductive fillers. However, the fillers may negatively interact with the SMPs and cause a reduction in the elongation at failure thereby diminishing the shape recovery performance. It is proposed that a plasticizer can be utilized to alter the microstructure of the SMPs with conductive fillers. In this study, a new hybrid SMP is developed by combining single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) into a poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) SMP system containing poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) plasticizer. The incorporation of PEG is able to lower the activation temperature, while enhancing dispersion of SWCNT. The presence of SWCNT can stabilize the SMP system and significantly enhance the shape‐fixing capability after deformation at room temperature conditions. By carefully controlling the formulation, an electroactive SMP can be created by optimizing the amount of SWCNT and PEG plasticizer.
The impact of frailty on treatment for overactive bladder in older adults
Authors: Suskind Anne M. , Kowalik Casey , Quanstrom Kathryn , Boscardin John , Zhao Shoujun , Reynolds W. Stuart , Mishra Kavita , Finlayson Emily
Published: July 2019

Aims: To examine the impact of frailty on treatment outcomes for overactive bladder (OAB) in older adults starting pharmacotherapy, onabotulinumtoxinA, and sacral neuromodulation.

Methods: This is a prospective study of men and women age ≥60 years starting pharmacotherapy, onabotulinumtoxinA, or sacral neuromodulation. Subjects were administered questionnaires at baseline and again at 1‐ and 3‐months. Frailty was assessed at baseline using the timed up and go test (TUGT), whereby a TUGT time of ≥12 seconds was considered to be slow, or frail. Response to treatment was assessed using the overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) and the OAB‐q SF (both Bother and HRQOL subscales). Information on side effects/adverse events was also collected. Mixed effects linear modeling was used to model changes in outcomes over time both within and between groups.

Results: A total of 45 subjects enrolled in the study, 40% (N = 18) of whom had a TUGT ≥12 seconds. Both TUGT groups demonstrated improvement in OAB symptoms over time and there were no statistically significant differences in these responses per group (all P‐values >.05). Similar trends were found for both OAB‐q SF Bother and OAB‐q SF HRQOL questionnaire responses. Side effects and adverse events were not significantly different between groups (all P's >.05).

Conclusions: Adults ≥60 years of age starting second‐ and third‐line treatments for OAB, regardless of TUGT time, demonstrated improvement in OAB symptoms at 3 months. These findings suggest that frail older adults may receive comparable benefit and similar rates of side effects compared with less frail older individuals.
Scientific evidence for pelvic floor devices presented at conferences: An overview
Authors: te Brummelstroete Gerhard H. , Loohuis Anne M. , Wessels Nienke J. , Westers Henriëtte C. , van Summeren Jojanneke J.G.T. , Blanker Marco H.
Published: July 2019

Aims

An increasing number of diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices are available to help patients and physicians manage pelvic floor symptoms in women. Many of these are presented at scientific conferences, and in the absence of a gold standard for evaluation, marketing has become more prominent than scientific evaluation. The goal of this study was to (a) provide an overview of pelvic floor devices for women that have been presented at recent annual meetings of leading scientific societies and (b) to summarize and review the scientific evidence underpinning these devices.

Methods

Manual searches were performed of all abstracts presented in 2016 and 2017 at annual meetings of the International Continence Society, the International Urogynecological Association, the European Association of Urology, and the American Urological Association. The exhibition floor of the 2017 International Continence Society was also searched. Subsequently, literature searches of both the MEDLINE and Embase databases were performed in November 2018 to identify original full‐text publications related to the identified devices.

Results

We identified 11 devices from these sources, which were mainly used for the control of urinary incontinence. Only seven of these pelvic floor devices were covered by publications, with no full‐text records identified for the remaining four devices.

Conclusions

Sample sizes were small and there was a lack of convincing evidence for most devices. Despite this, many devices were available in the market. Our findings indicate that the process for introducing these new devices is in stark contrast with the strict requirements for introducing new drug classes.
Dietary intake and micronutrient deficiency in children with cancer
Authors: Morrell Miriam B. G. , Baker Rebecca , Johnson Abigail , Santizo Ruth , Liu Diane , Moody Karen
Published: July 2019

Data regarding micronutrient deficiencies in children with cancer are lacking. We measured micronutrients in a subset of children with cancer (n = 23) participating in a randomized trial of the neutropenic diet. Ninety‐six percent of children had ≥1 micronutrient deficiency and 39% had ≥3 micronutrient deficiencies. Eighty‐six percent of children had vitamin C deficiency, 87% had 25‐hydroxyvitamin D deficiency, 50% had zinc deficiency, and 13% had vitamin A deficiency. Dietary intake did not correlate with micronutrient deficiency status. More data are needed regarding the prevalence and etiology of micronutrient deficiencies in children with cancer to further understand their implications and treatment.
Etch Pit Density Reduction in POCl3 and Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition‐Gettered mc‐Si
Authors: Fleck Martin , Zuschlag Annika , Hahn Giso
Published: July 2019

Herein, the effects of gettering, temperature, dopant concentration, and metal contamination on the etch pit density (EPD) of an mc‐Si material are studied. It is demonstrated that there is a reduction of EPD after gettering that is independent for varying etchants, thereby confirming the physical nature of this effect. The EPD analysis of wafers that are gettered on one wafer side, results in different EPD values for the two wafer sides. This finding constrains the possibilities for mechanisms of EPD reduction. The combined evidence of the experiments presented here supports the hypothesis that EPD reduction happens because the defect etching process for impurity‐lean dislocations is different from dislocations decorated with impurities.
Flexible Single‐Substrate Integrated Active‐Matrix Pyroelectric Sensor
Authors: Gold Herbert , Petritz Andreas , Karner-Petritz Esther , Tschepp Andreas , Groten Jonas , Prietl Christine , Scheipl Gregor , Zirkl Martin , Stadlober Barbara
Published: July 2019

Recently developed flexible active matrix sensors employ organic and large area electronics to enable artificial sensing skin applications. In the proof‐of‐concept presented here, an active matrix proximity sensor‐array is formed by monolithic integration of screen‐printed sensors with organic transistors on a single sheet of a polymer film, using only seven industrially scalable patterning steps. A ferroelectric co‐polymer of polyvinylidendifluoride (PVDF) serves as the pyro‐sensor material, and bottom‐gate top‐contact organic thin film transistors switch the sensors during operation. An on/off ratio well above 103 and a low off‐current below 8 × 10−11 A of the organic transistors result in a dynamic range of 44 dB and allow to detect a human hand approaching to a distance of 20 cm with a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 28 dB. A basic matrix operation is demonstrated by the correct tracking of a moving human hand.
Containment control of stochastic multiagent systems with semi‐Markovian switching topologies
Authors: Li Ke , Mu Xiaowu
Published: July 2019

The containment control of stochastic multiagent systems with semi‐Markov switching topologies is investigated in this paper. The general case that the distribution function of the sojourn time is dependent on both the current system mode and the target mode is considered. Taking state multiplicative noise into account and using stochastic techniques, sufficient conditions to achieve the containment control in the asymptotic mean square sense are obtained in a form of linear matrix inequalities and the controller design condition is given. Finally, a simulation is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the obtained theoretical results.
Application of Tonsil-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Tissue Regeneration: Concise Review
Authors: Oh Se-Young , Choi Young Min , Kim Ha Yeong , Park Yoon Shin , Jung Sung-Chul , Park Joo-Won , Woo So-Youn , Ryu Kyung-Ha , Kim Han Su , Jo Inho
Published: July 2019

Since the discovery of stem cells and multipotency characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), there has been tremendous development in regenerative medicine. MSCs derived from bone marrow have been widely used in various research applications, yet there are limitations such as invasiveness of obtaining samples, low yield and proliferation rate, and questions regarding their practicality in clinical applications. Some have suggested that MSCs from other sources, specifically those derived from palatine tonsil tissues, that is, tonsil-derived MSCs (TMSCs), could be considered as a new potential therapeutic tool in regenerative medicine due to their superior proliferation rate and differentiation capabilities with low immunogenicity and ease of obtaining. Several studies have determined that TMSCs have differentiation potential not only into the mesodermal lineage but also into the endodermal as well as ectodermal lineages, expanding their potential usage and placing them as an appealing option to consider for future studies in regenerative medicine. In this review, the differentiation capacities of TMSCs and their therapeutic competencies from past studies are addressed. Stem Cells  2019;37:1252–1260
Effects and Mechanism of Action of Neonatal Versus Adult Astrocytes on Neural Stem Cell Proliferation After Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Dai Yong , Sun Feifan , Zhu Hui , Liu Qianqian , Xu Xide , Gong Peipei , Jiang Rui , Jin Guohua , Qin Jianbing , Chen Jian , Zhang Xinghua , Shi Wei
Published: July 2019

Due to the limited capacity of brain tissue to self-regenerate after traumatic brain injury (TBI), the mobilization of endogenous neural stem cells (NSCs) is a popular research topic. In the clinic, the neurogenic abilities of adults versus neonates vary greatly, which is likely related to functional differences in NSCs. Recent studies have demonstrated that the molecules secreted from astrocytes play important roles in NSC fate determination. In this study, conditioned media (CM) derived from neonatal or adult rat astrocytes, which were unstimulated or stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), were prepared to treat NSCs. Our results revealed that neonatal rat astrocytes can significantly promote the proliferation of NSCs, compared with adult rat astrocytes, regardless of whether or not they were stimulated by LPS. Furthermore, we used mass spectrometry to detect the constituents of the CM from each group. We analyzed and screened for a protein, Tenascin-C (TNC), which was highly expressed in the neonatal group but poorly expressed in the adult group. We found that TNC can bind to the NSC surface epidermal growth factor receptor and promote proliferation through the PI3K-AKT pathway in vitro. Additionally, we confirmed in vivo that TNC can promote damage repair in a rat model of TBI, through enhancing the proliferation of endogenous NSCs. We believe that these findings provide a mechanistic understanding of why neonates show better neuroregenerative abilities than adults. This also provides a potential future therapeutic target, TNC, for injury repair after TBI. Stem Cells  2019;37:1344–1356