bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cauliflower‐like polypyrrole@MnO2 modified carbon cloth as a capacitive anode for high‐performance microbial fuel cells
Authors: Zhao Xiaohua , Tian Tian , Guo Min , Liu Xin , Liu Xiang
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

The morphology and size of MnO2 that deposited on a carbon clothelectrode have dramatic effects on the electrochemical properties and cycling life. Currently, MnO2 and its composite structures with zero‐dimensional (0D) nanospheres, one‐dimension (1D) nanotubes and two‐dimension (2D) nanomesh have been successfully synthesized and employed in MFC. Hence, the development of a three‐dimensional (3D) flexible, cost‐effective and high‐performance anode is of great significance for microbial energy harvesting.

RESULT

Herein, we have fabricated 3D cauliflower‐like polypyrrole@manganese dioxide (PPy@MnO2) composites, which are successfully grown on carbon cloth (CC) anode by electrodeposition to promote the power production and storage in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Impressively, the as‐prepared PPy@MnO2 modified CC anode delivers a power density of 2139.7 ± 17.5 mW m−2 and produces an areal capacitance of 1120 ± 12.8 mF cm−2, which is 3.58 and 4.84 folds higher than that with bare CC anode, benefiting from the unique cauliflower‐like 3D architecture with increased active centers that host the bacteria for more efficient charge transfer. Electrochemical analyses indicate that the PPy@MnO2 modified CC electrode has excellent electrochemical activity, capacitive behavior and long‐term cyclabilities with smooth surface morphology and high porosity.

CONCLUSION

These findings not only provide a facile electrodeposition strategy for PPy@MnO2 nanoflowers modified CC anode, but also demonstrates its potential for the production and storage of energy simultaneously in MFC application. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Three‐dimensional echocardiographic comparison of left ventricular geometry and systolic function between dilated cardiomyopathy and mitral regurgitation with similar left ventricular dilation
Authors: Zeng DeCai , Wu Ji , Wu Shui‐Shun , Lin Hai‐Hong , Chen Hui
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This study aimed to analyze left ventricular (LV) remodeling in patients with LV dilation using three‐dimensional (3D) echocardiography, and to compare geometry and systolic function between patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and with mitral regurgitation (MR) but similar LV dimension.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study of 60 DCM and 60 MR patients with LV end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) > 35 mm/m2, and of 60 healthy control volunteers.

Results

Despite a similar LVEDD, DCM patients showed a significantly higher 3D sphericity index (3D‐SI) than MR patients, whereas 3D ejection fraction (3D‐EF) was significantly lower (P < .01). There was a linear relationship between 3D‐EF and 3D‐SI in both DCM and MR patients (r = −0. 745 and r = −0. 642, respectively; both P < .001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed that 3D‐SI had could better discriminate between DCM and MR (sensitivity 90%; specificity 73%; AUC 0.852, P < .01) than other variables. The area under the ROC curve of 3D‐SI was significantly larger than that of 3D‐EF for detecting heart failure in both patients with DCM and MR.

Conclusions

LV geometry appears to be more spherical and associated with worse systolic function in DCM than in MR patients, in spite of similar LV dimensions. Systolic function correlated significantly with 3D‐SI, which provided a better description of LV remodeling and could be a stronger indicator of heart failure in patients with LV dilation.
The first gap for total curvatures of planar graphs with nonnegative curvature
Authors: Hua Bobo , Su Yanhui
Published: October 2019

We prove that the total curvature of a planar graph with nonnegative combinatorial curvature is at least 1/12 if it is positive. Moreover, we classify the metric structures of ambient polygonal surfaces for planar graphs attaining this bound.
Edge Kempe equivalence of regular graph covers
Authors: Lazarovich Nir , Levit Arie
Published: October 2019

Let be a finite ‐regular graph with a proper edge coloring. An edge Kempe switch is a new proper edge coloring of obtained by switching the two colors along some bichromatic cycle. We prove that any other edge coloring can be obtained by performing finitely many edge Kempe switches, provided that is replaced with a suitable finite covering graph. The required covering degree is bounded above by a constant depending only on .
Impact of tumor size and nodal status on recurrence of nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors ≤2 cm after curative resection: A multi‐institutional study of 392 cases
Authors: Dong Ding‐Hui , Zhang Xu‐Feng , Poultsides George , Rocha Flavio , Weber Sharon , Fields Ryan , Idrees Kamran , Cho Cliff , Maithel Shishir K. , Pawlik Timothy M. ,   other members of the US Neuroendocrine Tumor Study Group
Published: October 2019

Background

The current study sought to define the impact of lymph node metastasis (LNM) relative to tumor size on tumor recurrence after curative resection for nonfunctional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NF‐pNETs) ≤2 cm.

Methods

Patients who underwent curative resection for ≤2‐cm NF‐pNETs were identified from a multi‐institutional database. Risk factors associated with tumor recurrence as well as LNM were identified. Recurrence‐free survival (RFS) was compared among patients with or without LNM.

Results

A total of 392 ≤2‐cm NF‐pNETs patients were identified. Among the 328 patients who had lymph node dissection and evaluation, 42 (12.8%) patients had LNM. LNM was associated with tumor recurrence (hazard ratio, 3.06; P = .026) after surgery. RFS was worse among LNM vs no LNM patients (5‐year RFS, 81.7% vs 94.1%; P = .019). Patients with tumors measuring 1.5‐2 cm had a two‐fold increase in the incidence of LNM vs patients with tumors <1.5 cm (17.9% vs 8.7%, odds ratio, 2.59; P = .022), as well as a higher risk of advanced tumor grade and higher Ki‐67 levels (both P < .01). After curative resection, a total of 14 (8.0%) patients with a tumor of 1.5‐2 cm and 10 (4.5%) patients with tumor <1.5 cm developed tumor recurrence.

Conclusion

Surgical resection with lymphadenectomy should be considered for patients with NF‐pNETs ≥1.5‐2.0 cm.
Imaging diagnosis for intervertebral disc
Authors: Ogon Izaya , Takebayashi Tsuneo , Takashima Hiroyuki , Morita Tomonori , Terashima Yoshinori , Yoshimoto Mitsunori , Yamashita Toshihiko
Published: October 2019

Various functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques have been investigated in recent years and are being used in clinical practice for the patients with low back pain (LBP). MRI is an important modality for diagnosing intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. In recent years, there have been several reported attempts to use MRI T2 mapping and MRI T1ρ mapping to quantify lumbar disc degeneration. MRI T2 mapping involves digitizing water content, proteoglycan content, and collagen sequence breakdown as relaxation times (T2 values) at each site. These digitized values are used to create a map, that is, then used to quantitatively evaluate the metabolite concentrations within IVD tissues. MRI T2 mapping utilizes the T2 relaxation time to quantify moisture content and the collagen sequence breakdown. MRI T1ρ mapping digitizes water molecule dispersion within the cartilaginous matrix to evaluate the degree of cartilaginous degeneration. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy is a less‐invasive diagnostic test that provides biochemical information. Adequate analysis of the IVD has not yet been performed, although there are indications of a relationship between the adipose content of the multifidus muscle in the low back and LBP. The ultra short TE technique has been recently used to investigate lumbar cartilaginous endplates. Unlike diagnosis based on contrast‐enhanced images of the IVD, which depends on the recurrence of pain that is determined subjectively, MRI‐based diagnosis is less‐invasive and based on objective imaging findings. It is therefore expected to play a key role in the diagnostic imaging of IVD conditions in the future.
Injection of bevacizumab and cyanoacrylate glue for hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
Authors: Khoueir Nadim , Borsik Michel , Camous Domitille , Herman Philippe , Verillaud Benjamin
Published: October 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

The objective of this study was to report for the first time on the results of submucosal injections of bevacizumab used in conjunction with cyanoacrylate glue sclerotherapy in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT).

Study Design

Retrospective analytic chart review.

Methods

We performed a chart review that included all patients with HHT treated with intranasal bevacizumab and cyanoacrylate glue for refractory epistaxis at Lariboisiere University Hospital from 2013 with a minimum follow‐up of 6 months. We injected 100 mg (25 mg/mL) of bevacizumab diluted in 2 mL of serum at the base of the telangiectasias, and sclerotherapy with an injection of cyanoacrylate glue was used adjunctively. Treatment efficacy was based on changes in Epistaxis Severity Scores (ESS) and the Bergler‐Sadick Scale. Quality of life and patient satisfaction were evaluated using the Cantril Self‐Anchoring Ladder (CL) and Likert scale, respectively.

Results

Thirty‐one patients were included, with a mean follow‐up of 26.6 months. The average ESS score significantly decreased from 7.82 to 3.89 (P < .05). The Bergler‐Sadick score significantly improved (P < .05) following the treatment, including the frequency (from 2.74 to 1.64) and the quantity (from 2.54 to 1.51) scales. Quality of life was significantly improved (P < .05) using the CL score (from 4.16 to 7.22). The Likert satisfaction scale related to the treatment efficacy was high, with an average of 7.03 out of 10. No complications were noted.

Conclusions

Submucosal injections of bevacizumab in conjunction with cyanoacrylate glue sclerotherapy significantly reduced epistaxis and improved the quality of life in HHT. Prospective comparative studies are needed to further evaluate the significance of this treatment modality.

Level of Evidence

3b

Laryngoscope, 129:2210–2215, 2019
Laryngeal adductor function following potassium titanyl phosphate laser welding of the recurrent laryngeal nerve
Authors: Bhatt Neel K. , Faddis Brian T. , Paniello Randal C.
Published: October 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) transection injuries may occur during thyroidectomy and other surgical procedures. Laser nerve welding has been shown to cause less technique‐related axonal damage than the traditional suture method. We compared functional adductor results using these two methods of RLN repair.

Study Design

Animal model.

Methods

Canine hemilarynges underwent pretreatment testing of laryngeal adductor function, followed by RLN transection and repair using potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser welding (n = 8) or microneural suture (n = 16) techniques. Six months later, adductor function was measured again and expressed as a proportion of the pretreatment value.

Results

The mean laryngeal adductor pressure ratios were 82.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 72.8%‐92.0%) for the laser repair group and 55.5% (95% CI: 49.4%‐61.6%) for the suture control group, with a difference of 26.9% (95% CI: 15.3%‐38.5%). Both spontaneous and stimulated glottic closure was observed in the laser welding and microsuture repair groups.

Conclusions

Laser nerve welding resulted in greater strength of adduction than suture repair of an acutely transected RLN. Suture anastomosis may traumatize more axons than the laser. Stronger vocal fold adduction is associated clinically with better protection from aspiration and improved voice outcomes. KTP laser welding should be considered for anastomosis of the RLN and other nerves.

Level of Evidence

NA

Laryngoscope, 130:1764–1769, 2020
Frequency of post‐tonsillectomy hemorrhage relative to time of day
Authors: Kim Sun Joo , Walsh Jonathan , Tunkel David E. , Boss Emily F. , Ryan Marisa , Lee Andrew H.
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Postoperative hemorrhage is a serious complication of tonsillectomy, with secondary bleeding rates affecting up to 0.8% to 3% of patients. Although these bleeds are anecdotally perceived as occurring more frequently at night, the occurrence of hemorrhage relative to the time of day has not been investigated. We measured the frequency of post‐tonsillectomy hemorrhage onset relative to the time of day.

Methods

We reviewed electronic medical records of all patients who experienced postprocedural hemorrhage (International Classification of Disease, Ninth Edition [ICD‐9] 998.11, ICD‐10 J95.830 at two hospitals within a tertiary academic health system in a 10‐year period). Patient demographics, time of bleed onset, emergency room [ED] arrival time, and management (operating room vs. observation) were abstracted. Patients without a recorded bleeding time were excluded. Time of bleed onset was categorized as morning (6:01 am–12 pm), afternoon (12:01 pm–6 pm), evening (6:01 pm–12 am), or overnight (12:01 am–6 am). Chi‐square goodness of fit test was used to assess the distribution of hemorrhage timing (P ≤ 0.05).

Results

A total of 7,396 patients underwent tonsillectomy May 2008 through May 2018, among whom 121 (2%) post‐tonsillectomy hemorrhage patients were identified. Among the 104 patients with ED arrival times, 29 (28%) arrived in the morning; 15 (14%) arrived in the afternoon; 40 (38%) arrived in the evening; and 20 (19%) arrived overnight (P = 0.003). Sixty patients (mean age 17.1 years, standard deviation 16.6) had a recorded timing of bleed onset. Bleed onset occurred most commonly overnight (24, 40%), followed by evening (21, 35%), afternoon (11, 18%), and morning (4, 7%) (P = 0.0007).

Conclusion

In this cohort, post‐tonsillectomy hemorrhage occurred most frequently between midnight and 6 am. Our findings confirm anecdotal experience and provide data in setting caregiver expectations.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:1823–1827, 2020
Retrieval of Absorption or Scattering Coefficient Spectrum (RASCS) Program: A Tool to Monitor Optical Properties in Real Time
Authors: Quistián‐Vázquez Brenda , Morales‐Cruzado Beatriz , Sarmiento‐Gómez Erick , Pérez‐Gutiérrez Francisco G.
Published: October 2019

Background and Objectives

Optical properties characterize light propagation in turbid media, such as tissue. Recovery of optical properties is of great importance in a wide variety of biomedical applications, including both therapeutic treatments and diagnosis. Most of the available methodologies are well established, however, these are not optimized for real‐time measurements.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Optical properties are recovered using the Inverse Adding Doubling program from reflectance measurements measured with an integrating sphere and light in the visible range. A user‐friendly interface was programmed in Visual Studio and the libraries of a particular spectrophotometer were used. To achieve real‐time measurements, a parallel computing routine was implemented, splitting the whole spectra in threads to be computed independently. Several tests using living tissue and inorganic materials were carried out to validate the proposed algorithm.

Results

Recovery of absorption/scattering coefficient spectrum in the visible range with high precision in a couple of seconds was achieved, demonstrating its capabilities for real‐time monitoring in biomedical applications. The absorption coefficient spectrum shows the expected characteristics according to the different melanin and blood concentration of various volunteers, also showing the expected changes during a thermoregulation process.

Conclusions

A real‐time monitoring of optical properties algorithm was developed, including parallel computing and a user‐friendly interface. The proposed algorithm would be of help in biomedical applications, where real‐time monitoring optical properties is required. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PVP‐co‐DMAEMA as Novel Polymeric Coating Material for Probiotic Supplements Delivery
Authors: D'Orazio Giuseppe , De Giani Alessandra , Zampolli Jessica , Zeaiter Zahraa , Di Gennaro Patrizia , La Ferla Barbara
Published: October 2019

The paper investigates the use of poly(1‐vinylpyrrolidone‐co‐2‐dimethylaminoethylmetacrilate) (PVP‐co‐DMAEMA) as a novel coating agent in the preparation of alginate‐based microcapsule for the supplement delivery of probiotics. Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum is used to study the viability of the encapsulated bacterium when exposed to conditions simulating the gastrointestinal tract and industrial process. Results demonstrate that the PVP‐co‐DMAEMA polymer constitutes a pH‐responsive coating suitable for probiotic supplement delivery.
Drivers and outcomes of political candidate image creation: The role of social media marketing
Authors: Hultman Magnus , Ulusoy Sera , Oghazi Pejvak
Published: October 2019

The study examines the role of social media marketing (SMM) activities and the influence of perceived candidate image in building voter–candidate relationship equity within the context of United Kingdom (UK) politics. Drawing from branding literature and social identity theory the article further investigates the role of candidate image as a mediator between SMM and voter–candidate relationship equity, whilst also testing the moderating effect of political ideologies. Survey results from 235 young UK voters indicate that while all SMM activities appears to positively influence the perceived candidate image, not all SMM variables directly relate to relationship equity. The relationship rather appears to be an indirect one, mediated through the political candidate's image. Surprisingly, political ideology also does not appear to moderate the connection between candidate image and voter–candidate relationship equity. The study findings highlight the growing importance of SMM activities and candidate image in political contexts, providing insights for political campaigners.
Dyskinesia‐inducing lead contacts optimize outcome of subthalamic stimulation in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Bouthour Walid , Béreau Matthieu , Kibleur Astrid , Zacharia André , Tomkova Chaoui Emilie , Fleury Vanessa , Benis Damien , Momjian Shahan , Bally Julien , Lüscher Christian , Krack Paul , Burkhard Pierre R.
Published: October 2019

Background

Acute dyskinesias elicited by STN‐DBS, here referred to as stimulation‐induced dyskinesias, predict optimal clinical outcome in PD. However, it remains elusive whether stimulation‐induced dyskinesias can guide DBS programming.

Objectives

Here, we characterized stimulation‐induced dyskinesias clinically and anatomically. We then tested whether dyskinesia‐inducing contacts could be effectively programmed using independent current source technology.

Methods

We characterized stimulation‐induced dyskinesias with directional and ring stimulation retrospectively in 20 patients. We then localized dyskinesia‐inducing contacts by imaging coregistration and eventually programmed those contacts.

Results

We elicited dyskinesias in half of our patients. Dyskinesia‐inducing contacts were mainly directional and were all located ventrally within the dorsolateral motor STN. When these dyskinesia‐inducing contacts were programmed using independent current source technology, dyskinesia disappeared and robust antibradykinetic effects were obtained.

Conclusion

We confirm that stimulation‐induced dyskinesias are helpful clinical observations, which may guide programming of directional STN‐DBS in PD. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Visual Sensory Processing is Altered in Myoclonus Dystonia
Authors: Tarrano Clément , Wattiez Nicolas , Delorme Cécile , McGovern Eavan M. , Brochard Vanessa , Thobois Stéphane , Tranchant Christine , Grabli David , Degos Bertrand , Corvol Jean‐Christophe , Pedespan Jean‐Michel , Krystkoviak Pierre , Houeto Jean‐Luc , Degardin Adrian , Defebvre Luc , Valabrègue Romain , Vidailhet Marie , Pouget Pierre , Roze Emmanuel , Worbe Yulia
Published: October 2019

Background

Abnormal sensory processing, including temporal discrimination threshold, has been described in various dystonic syndromes.

Objective

To investigate visual sensory processing in DYT‐SGCE and identify its structural correlates.

Methods

DYT‐SGCE patients without DBS (DYT‐SGCE‐non‐DBS) and with DBS (DYT‐SGCE‐DBS) were compared to healthy volunteers in three tasks: a temporal discrimination threshold, a movement orientation discrimination, and movement speed discrimination. Response times attributed to accumulation of sensory visual information were computationally modelized, with μ parameter indicating sensory mean growth rate. We also identified the structural correlates of behavioral performance for temporal discrimination threshold.

Results

Twenty‐four DYT‐SGCE‐non‐DBS, 13 DYT‐SGCE‐DBS, and 25 healthy volunteers were included in the study. In DYT‐SGCE‐DBS, the discrimination threshold was higher in the temporal discrimination threshold (P = 0.024), with no difference among the groups in other tasks. The sensory mean growth rate (μ) was lower in DYT‐SGCE in all three tasks (P < 0.01), reflecting a slower rate of sensory accumulation for the visual information in these patients independent of DBS. Structural imaging analysis showed a thicker left primary visual cortex (P = 0.001) in DYT‐SGCE‐non‐DBS compared to healthy volunteers, which also correlated with lower μ in temporal discrimination threshold (P = 0.029). In DYT‐SGCE‐non‐DBS, myoclonus severity also correlated with a lower μ in the temporal discrimination threshold task (P = 0.048) and with thicker V1 on the left (P = 0.022).

Conclusion

In DYT‐SGCE, we showed an alteration of the visual sensory processing in the temporal discrimination threshold that correlated with myoclonus severity and structural changes in the primary visual cortex. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Short Versus Conventional Pulse‐Width Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Crossover Comparison
Authors: Dayal Viswas , Grover Timothy , Tripoliti Elina , Milabo Catherine , Salazar Maricel , Candelario‐McKeown Joseph , Athauda Dilan , Zrinzo Ludvic , Akram Harith , Hariz Marwan , Limousin Patricia , Foltynie Thomas
Published: October 2019

Background

Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN‐DBS) is an effective therapy for selected Parkinson's disease patients with motor fluctuations, but can adversely affect speech and axial symptoms. The use of short pulse width (PW) has been shown to expand the therapeutic window acutely, but its utility in reducing side effects in chronic STN‐DBS patients has not been evaluated.

Objective

To compare the effect of short PW settings using 30‐μs with conventional 60‐μs settings on stimulation‐induced dysarthria in Parkinson's disease patients with previously implanted STN‐DBS systems.

Methods

In this single‐center, double‐blind, randomized crossover trial, we assigned 16 Parkinson's disease patients who had been on STN‐DBS for a mean of 6.5 years and exhibited moderate dysarthria to 30‐μs or 60‐μs settings for 4 weeks followed by the alternative PW setting for a further 4 weeks. The primary outcome was difference in dysarthric speech measured by the Sentence Intelligibility Test between study baseline and the 2 PW conditions. Secondary outcomes included motor, nonmotor, and quality of life measures.

Results

There was no difference in the Sentence Intelligibility Test scores between baseline and the 2 treatment conditions (P = 0.25). There were also no differences noted in motor, nonmotor, or quality of life scores. The 30‐μs settings were well tolerated, and adverse event rates were similar to those at conventional PW settings. Post hoc analysis indicated that patients with dysarthria and a shorter duration of DBS may be improved by short PW stimulation.

Conclusions

Short PW settings using 30 μs did not alter dysarthric speech in chronic STN‐DBS patients. A future study should evaluate whether patients with shorter duration of DBS may be helped by short PW settings. © 2019 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Hill Day advocates push for more funding, unveil new campaign
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: October 2019

More than 700 attendees, including providers, advocates and consumers, descended on Capitol Hill Sept. 17–18, calling for increased funding of mental health and addiction services and an expansion of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) demonstration program. During its 15th annual Hill Day with record attendance, the National Council for Behavioral Health also unveiled a new campaign with the objective to improve the health and well‐being of the entire country.
Adzuki Bean Water Extract Attenuates Obesity by Modulating M2/M1 Macrophage Polarization and Gut Microbiota Composition
Authors: Lee Pei‐Sheng , Teng Chia‐Yi , Hsieh Kun‐Feng , Chiou Yi‐Shiou , Wu Jia‐Ching , Lu Ting‐Jang , Pan Min‐Hsiung
Published: October 2019

Scope

Obesity is a chronic condition resulting in excessive fat accumulation in adipose tissues. Adipose tissue is now considered as an immune organ, at the crossroads between metabolism and immunity. Thus, this study investigates the effects of adzuki beans on obesity and gut microbiota in high fat diet‐induced mice.

Methods and results

In this study, adzuki bean hot water extract (AWE) is determined to have the most significant anti‐adipogenic effect; it is able to inhibit lipid accumulation in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes and reduces body weight and adipose tissue weight in a dose‐dependent manner. AWE treatment also decreases M1‐polarized adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) while inducing M2‐polarized ATMs. The number and size of fat vacuoles in liver lesions are significantly reduced, indicating that AWE could ameliorate steatosis in high fat diet‐induced mice. The results also demonstrate that AWE‐treated groups inhibit adipogenesis via activating the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway and reduce peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma and CCAAT/enhancer binding proteins α expression. Moreover, the studies confirm that AWE decreases obesity through modulating gut microbiota.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate that AWE supplementation ameliorates high fat diet‐induced obesity and gut microbiota composition and suggests that AWE may have the potential to be developed into a functional food to improve metabolic disorders.
A differential class‐E power amplifier with dynamic body bias technique
Authors: Du Jian‐Chang , Wang Zhi‐Gong , Xu Jian , Chen Xi , Qin Tang‐Zhen
Published: October 2019

A fully differential class‐E power amplifier (PA) for wireless body area network applications is presented in this article. A novel dynamic self‐adapting body bias (DSBB) technique is introduced to improve the switch‐on transition and on‐resistance characteristics of MOS transistors. The proposed circuit is fabricated in the TSMC 0.18‐μm RF CMOS process. Measurement results show that the DSBB PA achieves a power‐added efficiency (PAE) of 46.9% with an output power of 13.1 dBm at 900 MHz. Compared to the conventional body‐ground connection PA, PAE and output power are improved more than 6.6% and 4.2 mW, respectively.
Physical and chemical reaction sensing in a mixed aqueous solution via metal‐organic framework thin‐film coated optical fiber
Authors: Nazari Marziyeh , Amini Abbas , Hill Matthew R. , Cheng Chun , Samali Bijan
Published: October 2019

A metal‐organic framework thin‐film (UiO‐66) optical fiber platform is built up as a data processing sensory system to detect water contaminations. A simple scale‐up approach is utilized to design a water‐stable UiO‐66 sensor at the tip (end face) of a conventional single mode optical fiber (SMF‐28) for detecting rhodamine‐B and methyl viologen in a mixed aqueous solution. The optical detection method was based on Fabry–Perot Interferometry, and the interference signal was analyzed by the fast Fourier transform (FFT) technique. Combining two contaminants in water produces a complex physical and chemical phenomena, and the FFT clearly showed it as a particular frequency related to a specific analyte type.
AAPM TG 191: Clinical use of luminescent dosimeters: TLDs and OSLDs
Authors: Kry Stephen F. , Alvarez Paola , Cygler Joanna E. , DeWerd Larry A. , Howell Rebecca M. , Meeks Sanford , O'Daniel Jennifer , Reft Chester , Sawakuchi Gabriel , Yukihara Eduardo G. , Mihailidis Dimitris
Published: October 2019

Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD) and optically stimulated luminescent dosimeters (OSLD) are practical, accurate, and precise tools for point dosimetry in medical physics applications. The charges of Task Group 191 were to detail the methodologies for practical and optimal luminescence dosimetry in a clinical setting. This includes: (a) to review the variety of TLD/OSLD materials available, including features and limitations of each; (b) to outline the optimal steps to achieve accurate and precise dosimetry with luminescent detectors and to evaluate the uncertainty induced when less rigorous procedures are used; (c) to develop consensus guidelines on the optimal use of luminescent dosimeters for clinical practice; and (d) to develop guidelines for special medically relevant uses of TLDs/OSLDs such as mixed photon/neutron field dosimetry, particle beam dosimetry, and skin dosimetry. While this report provides general guidelines for TLD and OSLD processes, the report provides specific details for TLD‐100 and nanoDotTM dosimeters because of their prevalence in clinical practice.
Mental disorders, attrition at follow‐up, and questionnaire non‐completion in epidemiologic research. Illustrations from the CoLaus|PsyCoLaus study
Authors: Dupuis Marc , Strippoli Marie‐Pierre F. , Gholam‐Rezaee Mehdi , Preisig Martin , Vandeleur Caroline L.
Published: October 2019

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the associations between mental disorders recorded at baseline and participation in the subsequent follow‐up interview (vs. attrition) or baseline questionnaire completion (vs. non‐response) within the psychiatric arm of a population‐based study.

Methods

Participants of a physical health survey were initially invited to also participate in a semi‐structured interview covering mental disorders and were reassessed approximately 5.5 years later. They were also asked to complete self‐rating questionnaires at baseline. Associations between the presence of lifetime mental disorders assessed at baseline and attrition at follow‐up as well as non‐completion of self‐rating questionnaires at baseline were established.

Results

After controlling for sociodemographic variables, a significant negative association was found between anxiety disorders at baseline and attrition at follow‐up (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.84; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.71–1.00) and a positive association between major depressive disorders (MDD) and non‐response to the self‐rating questionnaires at baseline (AOR = 1.24; 95% CI = 1.05–1.45).

Conclusions

The associations of anxiety disorders during lifetime with a higher participation rate in interviews at follow‐up and of MDD during lifetime with the non‐completion of self‐rating questionnaires are potential sources of bias and should be taken into account in future longitudinal research.
Transition to the ovulatory season in mares: An investigation of antral follicle receptor gene expression in vivo
Authors: Ishak Ghassan M. A. , Dutra Gabriel A. , Gastal Gustavo D. A. , Gastal Melba O. , Feugang Jean M. , Gastal Eduardo L.
Published: October 2019

The inability to obtain in vivo samples of antral follicle wall layers without removing the ovaries or sacrificing the animals has limited more in‐depth studies on folliculogenesis. In this study, a novel ultrasound‐guided follicle wall biopsy (FWB) technique was used to obtain in vivo follicle wall layers and follicular fluid samples of growing antral follicles. The expression of proliferative, hormonal, angiogenic, and pro‐/antiapoptotic receptors and proteins in the follicular wall among three follicle classes were compared during the spring transitional anovulatory (SAN) and spring ovulatory (SOV) seasons in mares. The main findings observed in the granulosa, theca interna, and/or all follicle layers during the SOV season compared with the SAN season were (a) small‐sized follicles (10–14 mm) had greater epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Bcl‐2 expression; (b) medium‐sized follicles during the expected deviation/selection diameter (20–24 mm) had greater expression of EGFR, Ki‐67, luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), and Bcl‐2; and (c) dominant follicles (30–34 mm) had greater EGFR, Ki‐67, vascular endothelial growth factor, LHR, and Bcl‐2 expression. Estradiol related receptor alpha expression and intrafollicular estradiol concentration increased, along with an increase in follicle diameter in both seasons. In this study, the application of the FWB technique allowed a direct comparison of different receptors’ expression among follicles in different stages of development and between two seasons using the same individuals, without jeopardizing their ovarian function. The successful utilization of the FWB technique and the mare as an experimental animal offer a great combination for future folliculogenesis studies on mechanisms of follicle selection, development, and ovulation in different species, including women.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): A chemical shift reference for 1H MRS of human brain
Authors: Kaiser Lana G. , Russell David , Maschmeyer Tristan , Redfern Richard L. , Inglis Ben A.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

We investigate the potential of a common dietary supplement, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), to act as a chemical shift reference for in vivo 1H MR spectroscopy (MRS). The scope of the investigation is 2‐fold: (1) We use high‐resolution nuclear MR (NMR) measurements of the chemical shift values of MSM to establish the stability of MSM resonance across the ranges of pH and temperature, and (2) we demonstrate MR properties of MSM in the healthy human brain.

Methods

The relationship of chemical shift with temperature and pH is examined using high‐resolution 1H NMR (14.1T) spectra of MSM in aqueous solution. MSM concentration in human brain tissue was measured as a function of time, together with the relaxation properties in the brain using 1H MRS at 3T.

Results

The chemical shift of MSM remains stable in the range of the biologically relevant temperatures and pH values. The chemical shift at pH = 7.2 and 37°C was measured to be 3.142 ppm (relative to DSS, a common water‐soluble NMR reference compound). Time course in the brain tissue in vivo confirmed an observable MSM signal 10 minutes after oral intake and a stable signal intensity within a ~3‐hour window.

Conclusion

The chemical and biological properties of MSM—rapid crossing of the blood–brain barrier, water solubility, a singlet resonance resolved from metabolite resonances, chemical shift stability with respect to pH/temperature, and stable temporal presence in the brain—lead us to propose its use as a frequency reference for MRS.
Severity and depression can impact quality of life in patients with myasthenia gravis
Authors: Alanazy Mohammed H. , Binabbad Rahaf S. , Alromaih Norah I. , Almansour Raghad A. , Alanazi Shahad N. , Alhamdi Malak F. , Alazwary Naael , Muayqil Taim
Published: October 2019

Background

The revised 15‐item Myasthenia Gravis (MG) Quality of Life Questionnaire (MGQoL15R) is a validated scale of quality of life in patients with MG. We aimed to study the factors causing the variability within the Arabic version of the MGQoL15R (MGQoL15R‐A).

Method

A standardized questionnaire was completed by 118 patients. Correlations and hierarchical regression analyses were used to assess the contribution of sociodemographic variables, clinical factors, Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ9‐A), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7 (GAD7‐A) to the variability in the MGQoL15R‐A.

Results

The MGQoL15R‐A was highly correlated with PHQ9‐A (r = 0.76), and moderately correlated with GAD7‐A (r = 0.52). Clinical factors and PHQ9‐A independently explained 30.4% and 34.5% of the variability, respectively. Among the clinical factors, uncontrolled MG status, relapse within the past year, and a higher number of current MG therapies were significantly associated with a higher MGQoL15R‐A score.

Conclusions

MG severity and depressive symptoms (measured by PHQ9‐A) can affect the MGQoL15R‐A score.
Plastik von Brunei bis Vietnam
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: October 2019

Die Kunststoffindustrie in südostasiatischen Ländern wächst. Umweltbelastungen lassen sich dabei nur klein halten, wenn sich Plastikhandhabung und ‐konsum ändern. Kreislaufwirtschaft nach westlichem Vorbild soll dabei helfen, sich aber den Gegebenheiten vor Ort anpassen.
Guidelines for the nursing management of gestational diabetes mellitus: An integrative literature review
Authors: Mensah Gwendolyn Patience , ten Ham‐Baloyi Wilma , van Rooyen Dalena (R.M.) , Jardien‐Baboo Sihaam
Published: October 2019

Aims and objectives

An integrative literature review searched for, selected, appraised, extracted and synthesized data from existing available guidelines on the nursing management of gestational diabetes mellitus as no such analysis has been found.

Background

Early screening, diagnosis and management of gestational diabetes mellitus are important to prevent or reduce complications during and postpregnancy for both mother and child. A variety of guidelines exists, which assist nurses and midwives in the screening, diagnosis and management of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Design

An integrative literature review.

Methods

The review was conducted in June 2018 following an extensive search of available guidelines according to an adaptation of the stages reported by Whittemore and Knafl (2005, Journal of Advanced Nursing, 52, 546). Thus, a five‐step process was used, namely formulation of the review question, literature search, critical appraisal of guidelines identified, data extraction and data analysis. All relevant guidelines were subsequently appraised for rigour and quality by two independent reviewers using the AGREE II tool. Content analysis was used analysing the extracted data.

Results

Following extraction and analysis of data, two major themes were identified from eighteen (N = 18) guidelines. These were the need for early screening and diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus and for nursing management of gestational diabetes mellitus (during pregnancy, intra‐ and postpartum management). Various guidelines on the nursing management of gestational diabetes mellitus were found; however, guidelines were not always comprehensive, sometimes differed in their recommended practices and did not consider a variety of contextual barriers to the implementation of the recommendations.

Conclusion

Critically, scrutiny of the guidelines is required, both in terms of the best evidence used in their development and in terms of the feasibility of implementation for its context.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study provides a summary of best practices regarding the diagnosis, screening and nursing management of gestational diabetes mellitus that provide guidance for nurse–midwives on maternal and postpartum follow‐up care for women at risk or diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus.
Koreans Do Not Have Higher Percent Body Fat than Australians: Implication for the Diagnosis of Obesity in Asians
Authors: Pham Duong Duc , Lee Seung Ku , Shin Chol , Kim Nan Hee , Eisman John A. , Center Jacqueline R. , Nguyen Tuan V. , Leem Chae Hun
Published: October 2019

Objective

It has been assumed that, for a given BMI, Asians have higher percent body fat (PBF) than Caucasians. As a result, it has been suggested that the BMI threshold for diagnosing obesity in Asians be lowered to less than  30 kg/m2. This study sought to compare PBF between Koreans and Australians.

Methods

Whole‐body fat mass and PBF were measured in 1,211 Koreans and 1,006 Australians using dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (Lunar Prodigy; GE Healthcare, Madison, Wisconsin). The two groups were then matched for age and BMI by the propensity score method.

Results

For a given age and BMI, Koreans had lower PBF than Australians, and the difference was statistically significant in women (mean difference: −2.13%; 95% CI: −2.61% to −1.65%) but not in men (difference: −0.54%; 95% CI: −1.22% to 0.14%). Matched‐pair analysis (423 pairs of women and 208 pairs of men) also showed that Korean women had statistically lower PBF than their Australian counterparts (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

In individuals aged 60 years and older, Koreans do not have higher PBF than Australians after adjusting for BMI. These results suggest that there is no evidence for lowering the BMI threshold for the diagnosis of obesity in elderly Koreans.
Intention of preserving forest remnants among landowners in the Atlantic Forest: The role of the ecological context via ecosystem services
Authors: Campos Tisovec‐Dufner Karina , Teixeira Lucas , Marin Gabriela de Lima , Coudel Emilie , Morsello Carla , Pardini Renata
Published: October 2019

Unravelling the psychological processes determining landowners’ support towards forest conservation is crucial, particularly in rural areas of the tropics, where most forest remnants are within private lands. As human–nature connections are known to shape pro‐environmental behaviours, the intention of preserving forest remnants should ultimately be determined by the ecological context people live in.

Here, we investigate the pathways through which the ecological context (forest cover), via direct contact with forests and ecosystem services and disservices, influence the psychological antecedents of conservation behaviour (beliefs, attitude and intention of preserving forest remnants). We conceptualized a model based on the Reasoned Action Approach, using the ecological context and these three forest experiences as background factors, and tested the model using Piecewise Structural Equation Modelling. Data were collected through an interview‐based protocol applied to 106 landowners across 13 landscapes varying in forest cover in a consolidated rural region in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

Our results indicate that: (a) ecosystem services are more important than disservices for shaping intention of preserving forests, particularly non‐provisioning services; (b) contact with forest has an indirect effect on intention, by positively influencing the frequency of receiving ecosystem services; (c) people living in more forested ecological contexts have more contact with forests, receive ecosystem services more frequently and, ultimately, have stronger intention of preserving forests.

Hence, our study suggests a dangerous positive feedback loop between deforestation, the extinction of forest experiences and impairment of human–nature connections. Local demands across the full range of ecosystem services, the balance between services and disservices and the ecological context people live in should be considered when developing conservation initiatives in tropical rural areas.

A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Synthesis and characterization of modified properties of poly(methyl methacrylate)/organoclay nanocomposites
Authors: Zidan T. A.
Published: October 2019

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/organoclay nanocomposites are prepared and their modified thermal and dielectric properties are studied. First, 2‐methacryloyloxyethyloctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (MEODAB) was synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The synthesized MEODAB was used as organomodifier to modify clay to form organoclay. After that PMMA/organoclay nanocomposites were synthesized by in situ solution polymerization method where methyl methacrylate was polymerized in presence of different proportions of organoclay ranging from 1 to 10 wt%. The prepared nanocomposites are characterized by X‐ray diffraction and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. The thermal stability of PMMA/organoclay nanocomposites is studied by means of thermal gravimetric analysis and its derivative. Dielectric properties are also investigated in which the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of different PMMA/organoclay nanocomposites are determined and discussed in the frequency range of (42 Hz‐5 MHz).
Synthesis of polymethacrylate‐bearing benzocyclobutene structure and extension to networked polymer based on thermal isomerization
Authors: Komeda Masahiro , Nagayama Shintaro , Yoshida Yoshiaki , Endo Takeshi
Published: October 2019

1‐Benzocyclobutenyl methacrylate‐bearing methacrylate (BCBMA) backbone has been synthesized, and radical polymerization of the monomer was performed by utilizing 2, 2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator to result poly‐BCBMA. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurement of the derived poly‐BCBMA revealed the lowering of thermal isomerization temperature from that of nonsubstituted benzocyclobutene. The thermal decomposition temperature of BCBMA before and after thermal treatment was confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results of the TGA observation did not show significant difference in both 5% and 10% weight loss temperature (Td5 and Td10). This result suggests that the thermal conversion of the poly‐BCBMA to the networked polymer take place without thermal decomposition of the main chain based on the methacrylate framework. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 2175–2180
Efficacy and safety of oral sildenafil in cystic fibrosis children with mild to moderate lung disease
Authors: Reisi Mohsen , Modaresi Mohammad R. , Aghaii Zahra , Mirlohi Seyed H. , Rafiemanesh Hosein , Azizi Gholamreza , Sayedi Seyed J.
Published: October 2019

Background

Airway inflammation due to chronic infection is the leading cause of respiratory failure and death in most of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). There is some evidence about anti‐inflammatory activity of phosphodiesterase inhibitors in adult patients with CF. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of sildenafil (a phosphodiesterase inhibitor drug) in children with CF.

Method

This uncontrolled before‐after study was conducted on 20 children with CF (mean age 14 ± 2.8 years, 50% male) with mild to moderate lung disease who were referred to CF clinic of Imam Hossein hospital in Isfahan, Iran. The patients received oral sildenafil (1 mg/kg p.o tid for 3 months). Changes in spirometric values, maximal exercise capacity, and patient‐reported health by using the cystic fibrosis questionnaire‐revised (CFQ‐R) were evaluated before and after treatment.

Result

CFQ‐R (69.54 ± 4.6 vs 76.90 ± 5.4; P < .001) and exercise duration (401 ± 45.6 vs 497 ± 60.1 second; P < .01) increased following sildenafil therapy. In contrast, the forced expiratory value (FEV1; 84.60 ± 13.67 vs 78.40 ± 12.95; P < .001) and FEF25‐75 (77.80 ± 27.33 vs 69.20 ± 21.91; P = .004) showed significant decreases. However, the mean of FEV1/forced vital capacity did not change significantly during the study (P = .682).

Conclusions

Although sildenafil can improve the quality of life and exercise capacities in CF children, it significantly decreases lung function. So, administration of this drug for CF children should be reconsidered.