bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary nitrate intake is associated with muscle function in older women
Authors: Sim Marc , Lewis Joshua R. , Blekkenhorst Lauren C. , Bondonno Catherine P. , Devine Amanda , Zhu Kun , Peeling Peter , Prince Richard L. , Hodgson Jonathan M.
Published: March 2019

Background

In younger individuals, dietary nitrate supplementation has been shown to improve short‐term vascular and muscle function. The role of higher habitual nitrate intake as part of a typical diet on muscle function in ageing has not been investigated. A cross‐sectional study of relationships between dietary nitrate and measures of muscle function in older community‐dwelling Australian women (n = 1420, ≥70 years) was undertaken.

Methods

Participants completed a semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire assessing dietary intake over the previous year. Total nitrate from vegetables and non‐vegetable sources was calculated from a validated instrument that quantified the nitrate content of food recorded within the food frequency questionnaire. Handgrip strength and timed‐up‐and‐go (TUG) were assessed, representing muscle strength and physical function, respectively. Cut‐points for weak grip strength (<22 kg) and slow TUG (>10.2 s) were selected due to their association with adverse outcomes. Linear and logistic regressions were used to examine the relationship between total nitrate intake and muscle function measures.

Results

Mean ± standard deviation (SD) total nitrate intake was 79.5 ± 31.2 mg/day, of which 84.5% came from vegetables. Across the unadjusted tertiles of nitrate intake (<64.2 mg/day; 64.2 to <89.0 mg/day; ≥89.0 mg/day), women in the highest tertile had a 4% stronger grip strength and a 5% faster TUG performance compared with the lowest tertile. In multivariable‐adjusted models, each SD higher nitrate intake (31.2 mg/day) was associated with stronger grip strength (per kilogram, β 0.31, P = 0.027) and faster TUG (per second, β −0.27, P = 0.001). The proportion of women with weak grip strength (<22 kg) or slow TUG (>10.2 s) was 61.0% and 36.9%, respectively. Each SD higher nitrate intake (31.2 mg/day) was associated with lower odds for weak grip strength (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.74–0.95, P = 0.005) and slow TUG (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.76–0.98, P = 0.021). Compared with women in the lowest tertile of nitrate intake, women in the highest nitrate intake tertile had lower odds for weak grip strength (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.49–0.87, Ptrend=0.004) and slow TUG (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.53–0.97, Ptrend = 0.044).

Conclusions

This investigation highlights potential benefits of nitrate‐rich diets on muscle strength and physical function in a large cohort of older women. Considering poor muscle strength and physical function is associated with a range of adverse health outcomes such as falling, fractures, cardiovascular disease, and mortality, increasing dietary nitrate, especially though vegetable consumption may be an effective way to limit age‐related declines in muscle function.
Chemical and morphological evaluation of enamel and dentin near cavities restored with conventional and zirconia modified glass ionomer subjected to erosion‐abrasion
Authors: Soares Luís Eduardo Silva , Melo Teresa Marly T. C. , de Sá Brandim Ayrton , de Oliveira Ivone Regina
Published: March 2019

Microenergy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (μ‐EDXRF) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to test the hypothesis that zirconia modified glass ionomer cement (GIC) could improve resistance to erosion‐abrasion to a greater extent than conventional cement. Bovine enamel (n = 40) and dentin (n = 40) samples were prepared with cavities, filled with one of the two restorative materials (GIC: glass‐ionomer cement or ZrGIC: zirconia‐modified GIC). Furthermore, the samples were treated with abrasion‐saliva (AS) or abrasion‐erosion cycles (AE). Erosive cycles (immersion in orange juice, three times/day for a duration of 1 min over a 5 day period) and/or abrasive challenges (electric toothbrush, three times/day for a duration of 1 min over a 5 day period) were performed. Positive mineral variation (MV%) on the enamel after erosion‐abrasion was observed for both materials (p < 0.05), whereas a negative MV% on the dentin was observed for both materials and treatments (p < 0.05). The SEM images showed clear enamel loss after erosion‐abrasion treatment and material degradation was greater in GIC_AE compared to those of the other groups. Toothbrush abrasion showed a synergistic effect with erosion on substance loss of bovine enamel, dentin, GIC, and ZrGIC restorations. Zirconia addition to the GIC powder improved the resistance to abrasive‐erosive processes. The ZrGIC materials may find application as a restorative material due to improved resistance as well as in temporary restorations and fissure sealants.
Regulation of HIV self‐testing in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe: a qualitative study with key stakeholders
Authors: Dacombe Russell J , Watson Victoria , Nyirenda Lot , Madanhire Claudius , Simwinga Musonda , Chepuka Lignet , Johnson Cheryl C , Corbett Elizabeth L , Hatzold Karin , Taegtmeyer Miriam
Published: March 2019

Introduction

HIV self‐testing (HIVST) is being introduced as a new way for more undiagnosed people to know their HIV status. As countries start to implement HIVST, assuring the quality and regulating in vitro diagnostics, including HIVST, are essential. We aimed to document the emerging regulatory landscape and perceptions of key stakeholders involved in HIVST policy and regulation prior to implementation in three low‐ and middle‐income countries.

Methods

Between April and August 2016, we conducted semi‐structured interviews in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe to understand the relationships between different stakeholders on their perceptions of current and future HIVST regulation and the potential impact on implementation. We purposively sampled and interviewed 66 national‐level key stakeholders from the Ministry of Health and the regulatory, laboratory, logistical, donor and non‐governmental sectors. We used a thematic approach to analysis with an inductively developed common coding framework to allow inter‐country comparison of emerging themes.

Results

In all countries, the national reference laboratory was monitoring the quality of HIVST kits entering the public sector. In Malawi, there was no legal mandate to regulate medical devices, in Zambia one regulatory body with a clear mandate had started developing regulations and in Zimbabwe the mandate to regulate was overlapping between two bodies. Stakeholders indicated that they had a poor understanding of the process and requirements for HIVST regulation, as well as lack of clarity and coordination between organizational roles. The need for good collaboration between sectors, a strong post‐market surveillance model for HIVST and technical assistance to develop regulators capacity was noted as priorities. Key informants identified technical working groups as a potential way collaboration could be improved upon to accelerate the regulation of HIVST.

Conclusion

Regulation of in vitro diagnostic devices, including HIVST, is now being recognized as important by regulators after a regional focus on pharmaceuticals. HIVST is providing an opportunity for each country to develop similar regulations to others in the region leading to a more coherent regulatory environment for the introduction of new devices.
Re‐reading of OraQuick HIV‐1/2 rapid antibody test results: quality assurance implications for HIV self‐testing programmes
Authors: Watson Victoria , Dacombe Russell J , Williams Christopher , Edwards Thomas , Adams Emily R , Johnson Cheryl C , Mutseta Miriam N , Corbett Elizabeth L , Cowan Frances M , Ayles Helen , Hatzold Karin , MacPherson Peter , Taegtmeyer Miriam
Published: March 2019

Introduction

Scale‐up of HIV self‐testing (HIVST) will play a key role in meeting the United Nation's 90‐90‐90 targets. Delayed re‐reading of used HIVST devices has been used by early implementation studies to validate the performance of self‐test kits and to estimate HIV positivity among self‐testers. We investigated the stability of results on used devices under controlled conditions to assess its potential as a quality assurance approach for HIVST scale‐up.

Methods

444 OraQuick® HIV‐1/2 rapid antibody tests were conducted using commercial plasma from two HIV‐positive donors and HIV‐negative plasma (high‐reactive n = 148, weak‐reactive n = 148 and non‐reactive n = 148) and incubated them for six months under four conditions (combinations of high and low temperatures and humidity). Devices were re‐read daily for one week, weekly for one subsequent month and then once a month by independent readers unaware of the previous results. We used multistage transition models to investigate rates of change in device results, and between storage conditions.

Results and discussion

There was a high incidence of device instability. Forty‐three (29%) of 148 initially non‐reactive results became false weak‐reactive results. These changes were observed across all incubation conditions, the earliest on Day 4 (n = 9 kits). No initially HIV‐reactive results changed to a non‐reactive result. There were no significant associations between storage conditions and hazard of results transition. We observed substantial statistical agreement between independent re‐readers over time (agreement range: 0.74 to 0.96).

Conclusions

Delayed re‐reading of used OraQuick® HIV‐1/2 rapid antibody tests is not currently a valid methodological approach to quality assurance and monitoring as we observed a high incidence (29%) of true non‐reactive tests changing to false weak‐reactive and therefore its use may overestimate true HIV positivity.
The Self‐Testing AfRica (STAR) Initiative: accelerating global access and scale‐up of HIV self‐testing
Authors: Ingold Heather , Mwerinde Ombeni , Ross Anna Laura , Leach Ross , Corbett Elizabeth L , Hatzold Karin , Johnson Cheryl C , Ncube Getrude , Nyirenda Rose , Baggaley Rachel C
Published: March 2019

Introduction

HIV self‐testing (HIVST) was first proposed as an additional option to standard HIV testing services in the 1980s. By 2015, two years after the first HIVST kit was approved for the American market and the year in which Unitaid invested in the “HIV Self‐Testing AfRica (STAR) Initiative,” HIVST remained unexplored with negligible access in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC). However, rapid progress had been made. This commentary outlines the interlinked market, regulatory and policy barriers that had inhibited product development and kept HIVST out of LMIC policy. We detail the components of STAR that enabled rapid HIVST scale‐up, including critical investments in implementation, research, market forecasting, and engagement with manufacturers and regulators.

Discussion

The STAR Initiative has generated crucial information about how to distribute HIVST products effectively, ethically and efficiently. Service delivery models range from clinic‐based distribution to workplace and partner‐delivered approaches to reach first‐time male testers, to community outreach to sex workers and general population “hotspots.” These data directly informed supportive policy, notably the 2016 WHO guidelines strongly recommending HIVST as an additional testing approach, and regulatory change through support for WHO prequalification of the first HIVST kit in 2017. In July 2015, only two countries had national HIVST policies and were implementing HIVST. Three years later, 59 countries have policies, actively implemented in 28, with an additional 53 countries reporting policies under development. By end‐November 2018 several quality‐assured HIVST products had been registered, including two WHO prequalified tests. STAR Initiative countries have drafted regulations governing in vitro diagnostics, including HIVST products. With enabling policies, pre‐qualification and regulations in place, donor procurement of kits has increased rapidly, to a forecasted estimate of 16 million HIVST kits procured by 2020.

Conclusions

The STAR Initiative provided a strong foundation to introduce HIVST in LMICs and allow for rapid scale‐up based on the wealth of multi‐country evidence gathered. Together with sustained coordination and acceleration of market development work, HIVST can help address the testing gap and provide a focused and cost‐effective means to expand access to treatment and prevention services.
Economic cost analysis of door‐to‐door community‐based distribution of HIV self‐test kits in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe
Authors: Mangenah Collin , Mwenge Lawrence , Sande Linda , Ahmed Nurilign , d'Elbée Marc , Chiwawa Progress , Chigwenah Tariro , Kanema Sarah , Mutseta Miriam N , Nalubamba Mutinta , Chilongosi Richard , Indravudh Pitchaya , Sibanda Euphemia L , Neuman Melissa , Ncube Getrude , Ong Jason J , Mugurungi Owen , Hatzold Karin , Johnson Cheryl C , Ayles Helen , Corbett Elizabeth L , Cowan Frances M , Maheswaran Hendramoorthy , Terris‐Prestholt Fern
Published: March 2019

Introduction

HIV self‐testing (HIVST) is recommended by the World Health Organization in addition to other testing modalities to increase uptake of HIV testing, particularly among harder‐to‐reach populations. This study provides the first empirical evidence of the costs of door‐to‐door community‐based HIVST distribution in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Methods

HIVST kits were distributed door‐to‐door in 71 sites across Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe from June 2016 to May 2017. Programme expenditures, supplemented by on‐site observation and monitoring and evaluation data were used to estimate total economic and unit costs of HIVST distribution, by input and site. Inputs were categorized into start‐up, capital and recurrent costs. Sensitivity and scenario analyses were performed to assess the impact of key parameters on unit costs.

Results

In total, 152,671, 103,589 and 93,459 HIVST kits were distributed in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe over 12, 11 and 10 months respectively. Across these countries, 43% to 51% of HIVST kits were distributed to men. The average cost per HIVST kit distributed was US$8.15, US$16.42 and US$13.84 in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe, respectively, with pronounced intersite variation within countries driven largely by site‐level fixed costs. Site‐level recurrent costs were 70% to 92% of full costs and 20% to 62% higher than routine HIV testing services (HTS) costs. Personnel costs contributed from 26% to 52% of total costs across countries reflecting differences in remuneration approaches and country GDP.

Conclusions

These early door‐to‐door community HIVST distribution programmes show large potential, both for reaching untested populations and for substantial economies of scale as HIVST programmes scale‐up and mature. From a societal perspective, the costs of HIVST appear similar to conventional HTS, with the higher providers’ costs substantially offsetting user costs. Future approaches to minimizing cost and/or maximize testing coverage could include unpaid door‐to‐door community‐led distribution to reach end‐users and integrating HIVST into routine clinical services via direct or secondary distribution strategies with lower fixed costs.
Adenosine from a biologic source regulates neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs)
Authors: Xu Kai , Cooney Kimberly A , Shin Eric Y , Wang Lanfang , Deppen Juline N , Ginn Sydney C , Levit Rebecca D
Published: March 2019

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are implicated in autoimmune, thrombotic, malignant, and inflammatory diseases; however, little is known of their endogenous regulation under basal conditions. Inflammatory effects of neutrophils are modulated by extracellular purines such as adenosine (ADO) that is inhibitory or ATP that generally up-regulates effector functions. In order to evaluate the effects of ADO on NETs, human neutrophils were isolated from peripheral venous blood from healthy donors and stimulated to make NETs. Treatment with ADO inhibited NET production as quantified by 2 methods: SYTOX green fluorescence and human neutrophil elastase (HNE)-DNA ELISA assay. Specific ADO receptor agonist and antagonist were tested for their effects on NET production. The ADO 2A receptor (A2AR) agonist CSG21680 inhibited NETs to a similar degree as ADO, whereas the A2AR antagonist ZM241385 prevented ADO’s NET-inhibitory effects. Additionally, CD73 is a membrane bound ectonucleotidase expressed on mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) that allows manipulation of extracellular purines in tissues such as bone marrow. The effects of MSCs on NET formation were evaluated in coculture. MSCs reduced NET formation in a CD73-dependent manner. These results imply that extracellular purine balance may locally regulate NETosis and may be actively modulated by stromal cells to maintain tissue homeostasis.
Development and comparison of liquid–liquid extraction and accelerated solvent extraction methods for quantitative analysis of chloramphenicol, thiamphenicol, florfenicol, and florfenicol amine in poultry eggs
Authors: Wang Bo , Pang Maoda , Zhao Xia , Xie Kaizhou , Zhang Peiyang , Zhang Genxi , Zhang Tao , Liu Xuezhong , Dai Guojun
Published: March 2019

Accelerated solvent extraction was investigated as a novel alternative technology for the separation and quantitative analysis of chloramphenicol, thiamphenicol, florfenicol, and florfenicol amine from poultry eggs, and the results were compared with the results of liquid–liquid extraction. Rapid quantification of the target compounds was carried out by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization tandem triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. This optimized method was validated according to the requirements defined by the European Union and the United States Food and Drug Administration. Finally, the new approach was successfully applied to the quantitative determination of these analytes in 90 commercial poultry eggs from local supermarkets.
Evidence of differential microbiomes in healing versus non‐healing diabetic foot ulcers prior to and following foot salvage therapy
Authors: MacDonald Ashlee , Brodell James D. , Daiss John L. , Schwarz Edward M. , Oh Irvin
Published: March 2019

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) contribute to 80% of lower extremity amputations. Although physicians currently rely on clinical signs along with non‐specific biomarkers of infection, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C‐reactive protein, to diagnose and monitor DFU, there is no specific and sensitive measure available to monitor or prognosticate the success of foot salvage therapy (FST). To address this we performed a prospective, observational microbiome analysis to test the hypotheses that: (i) the initial microbiomes of healed versus non‐healed DFU are distinct; (ii) the microbial load, diversity and presence of pathogenic organism of the DFU change in response to antibiotics treatment; and (iii) the changes in the DFU microbiome during treatment are prognostic of clinical outcome. To test this, microbiome analyses were performed on 23 DFU patients undergoing FST, in which wound samples were collected at zero, four, and eight weeks following wound debridement and antibiotics treatment. Bacterial abundance was determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Eleven patients healed their DFU, while FDT failed to heal DFU in the other 12 patients. Microbiome results demonstrated that healing DFUs had a larger abundance Actinomycetales and Staphylococcaceae (p < 0.05), while DFUs that did not heal had a higher abundance of Bacteroidales and Streptococcaceae (p < 0.05). FST marked increases Actinomycetales in DFU, and this increase is significantly greater in patients that healed (p < 0.05). Future studies to confirm the differential microbiomes, and that increasing Actinomycetales is prognostic of successful FST are warranted. Statement of Clinical Significance: Tracking changes in the prevalence of pathogens in diabetic foot ulcers may be a clinical tool for monitoring treatment response to foot salvage therapy and prognosticating the need for further surgical intervention. The initial wound sample microbiome may provide important prognostic information on the eventual clinical outcome of foot salvage therapy. It may serve as an important clinical tool for patient counseling and making surgical decision of pursuing foot salvage versus amputation. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:1596–1603, 2019.
Effect of dose and release rate of CTGF and TGFβ3 on avascular meniscus healing
Authors: Tarafder Solaiman , Gulko Joseph , Kim Daniel , Sim Kun Hee , Gutman Shawn , Yang Jian , Cook James L. , Lee Chang H.
Published: March 2019

Meniscus tears in the avascular region rarely functionally heal due to poor intrinsic healing capacity, frequently resulting in tear propagation, followed by meniscus deterioration. Recently, we have reported that time‐controlled application of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and transforming tissue growth factor β3 (TGFβ3) significantly improved healing of avascular meniscus tears by inducing recruitment and step‐wise fibrocartilaginous differentiation of mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (MSCs). In this study, we investigated effects of the dose of CTGF and the release rate of TGFβ3 on avascular meniscus healing in our existing explant model. Our hypothesis was that dose and release rate of CTGF and TGFβ3 are contributing factors for functional outcome in avascular meniscus healing by stem cell recruitment. Low (100 ng/ml) and high (1,000 ng/ml) doses of CTGF as well as fast (0.46 ± 0.2 ng/day) and slow (0.29 ± 0.1 ng/day) release rates of TGFβ3 were applied to our established meniscus explant model for meniscus tears in the inner‐third avascular region. The release rate of TGFβ3 was controlled by varying compositions of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acids) (PLGA) microspheres. The meniscus explants were then cultured for 8 weeks on top of mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (MSCs). Among the tested combinations, we found that a high CTGF dose and slow TGFβ3 release are most effective for integrated healing of avascular meniscus, demonstrating improvements in alignment of collagen fibers, fibrocartilaginous matrix elaboration and mechanical properties. This study may represent an important step toward the development of a regenerative therapy to improve healing of avascular meniscus tears by stem cell recruitment. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:1555–1562, 2019.
Iron deficiency‐induced zinc uptake by bread wheat
Authors: Erenoğlu Emin Bülent
Published: March 2019

The present study aimed to test the contribution of the iron (Fe) deficiency‐induced uptake system to zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) uptake by using bread wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. Bezostaja). For this purpose, two different uptake experiments, long‐term and short‐term, were set up in a nutrient solution culture under controlled growth chamber conditions. For the long‐term experiment, wheat cv. plants were grown with different concentrations of Fe or Zn. Results show that there was an uptake system induced under Fe‐limiting conditions which also contributed to Zn and Cu uptake. However, the Zn deficiency‐induced uptake mechanism affected neither Fe nor Cu uptake by wheat. Short‐term uptake experiments indicate that Fe deficiency‐induced Zn2+ uptake was more enhanced than the absorption of Zn‐phytosiderophore (PS) complexes. In addition, the Fe‐deficient plants absorbed more Zn in comparison to those plants supplied with sufficient Fe. Similar tendencies in Zn uptake under Fe deficiency in both short‐ and long‐term experiments suggest that there may be a specific Fe uptake system induced under Fe‐limiting conditions for non‐chelated metals in bread wheat. Moreover, this system also contributes to the transport of inorganic forms of some other metals, such as Zn and Cu. Although evidence is still needed involving the use of molecular biological techniques, it is hypothesized that IRT‐like proteins are responsible for this uptake system. Moreover, the release of Fe deficiency‐induced phytosiderophores and uptake of Fe(III)‐phytosiderophore complexes may not be the only mechanisms involved in the adaptation of wheat to Fe‐limiting conditions.
Copper tolerance and antibiotic resistance in soil bacteria from olive tree agricultural fields routinely treated with copper compounds
Authors: Glibota Nicolás , Grande Burgos Mª José , Gálvez Antonio , Ortega Elena
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND

Heavy metal pollution may act as persistent selective pressure that favors the spread of antimicrobial resistance in natural environments. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify metal‐tolerant bacteria from soils in olive tree fields routinely treated with copper‐derived compounds and to evaluate the tolerance of bacterial strains to other metals and their resistance to clinically relevant antibiotics.

RESULTS

Five hundred and ninety‐five bacterial isolates from 45 olive tree agricultural fields were studied. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ≥ 16 mmol L−1 were detected for copper (57% of isolates), zinc (37%) and lead (62%), while only 3% had MICs ≥ 12 mmol L−1 for nickel. Ninety‐six metal‐tolerant strains were selected for identification and antibiotic resistance determination. Most isolates belonged to the genera Pseudomonas (37%), Bacillus (23%) and Chryseobacterium (20%), while 6% were identified as Variovorax, 4% as Stenotrophomonas and 2% as Serratia or Burkholderia. Highest copper tolerance was detected among Pseudomonas. Over 75% of the strains with high copper tolerance were also resistant to vancomycin, 50% to ampicillin and 40% to erythromycin or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.

CONCLUSION

Bacteria from olive soils are tolerant to metals, mainly copper, but also zinc and lead, as well as resistant to clinically important antibiotics, which could be a troublesome issue in clinical settings. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Malignant bowel obstruction
Authors: Krouse Robert S.
Published: March 2019

Malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) is a common problem for patients with advanced malignancy, especially colorectal and ovarian cancers. Symptoms include pain, bloating, nausea and vomiting, and inability to eat. Treatment options consist of a wide range of surgical and nonsurgical interventions (medications, endoscopic, or interventional radiology approaches). Outcomes are variable no matter the strategy, and the optimal approach is often not clear. Greater research is needed to assist decision‐making for clinicians treating patients with MBO.
Innovative management of severe tracheobronchomalacia using anterior and posterior tracheobronchopexy
Authors: Lawlor Claire , Smithers Charles Jason , Hamilton Thomas , Baird Christopher , Rahbar Reza , Choi Sukgi , Jennings Russell
Published: March 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Combined anterior and posterior tracheobronchopexy is a novel surgical approach for the management of severe tracheobronchomalacia (TBM). We present our institutional experience with this procedure. Our objective was to determine the utility and safety of anterior and posterior tracheopexy in the treatment of severe TBM.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

All patients who underwent anterior and posterior tracheopexy from January 2013 to July 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Charts were reviewed for indications, preoperative work‐up, tracheobronchomalacia classification and severity, procedure, associated syndromes, synchronous upper aerodigestive tract lesions, and aberrant thoracic vessels. Main outcomes measured included improvement in respiratory symptoms, successful extubation and/or decannulation, vocal fold immobility, and new tracheotomy placement.

Results

Twenty‐five patients underwent anterior and posterior tracheopexy at a mean age of 15.8 months (range, 2–209 months; mean, 31 months if 2 outliers of 206 and 209 months included). Mean length of follow‐up was 26.8 months (range, 13–52 months). Indications for surgery included apneic events, ventilator dependence, need for positive pressure ventilation, tracheotomy dependence secondary to TBM, recurrent pneumonia, and exercise intolerance. Many patients had other underlying syndromes and synchronous upper aerodigestive tract lesions (8 VACTERL, 2 CHARGE, 1 trisomy 21, 1 Feingold syndrome, 17 esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula, 20 cardiac/great vessel anomalies, 1 subglottic stenosis, 1 laryngomalacia, 7 laryngeal cleft). At preoperative bronchoscopy, 21 of 25 patients had >90% collapse of at least one segment of their trachea, and the remaining four had 70% to 90% collapse. Following anterior and posterior tracheopexy, one patient developed new bilateral vocal‐fold immobility; one patient with a preoperative left cord paralysis had a new right vocal‐fold immobility. Postoperatively, most patients had significant improvement in their respiratory symptoms (21 of 25, 84%) at most recent follow‐up. Three patients with preexisting tracheotomy were decannulated; two patients still had a tracheotomy at last follow‐up. Two patients required new tracheotomy for bilateral vocal‐fold immobility.

Conclusions

Combined anterior and posterior tracheopexy is a promising new technique for the surgical management of severe TBM. Further experience and longer follow‐up are needed to validate this contemporary approach and to minimize the risk of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:E65–E74, 2020
I guess that is fair: How the efforts of other customers influence buyer price fairness perceptions
Authors: Lastner Matthew M. , Fennell Patrick , Folse Judith A. G. , Rice Dan H. , Porter McDowell
Published: March 2019

Past research has demonstrated that consumers' price fairness judgments are influenced by comparisons between the offer price they receive and the prices paid by other consumers for the same product offering. In today's digital age, reference points for purchases are more prevalent than ever. However, investigations on how certain inputs of the transaction affect these judgments is lacking. Specifically, extant research has failed to account for how the purchase efforts of other consumers can influence one's own price fairness evaluations. Moreover, relatively little empirical research has endeavored to understand the simultaneous cognitive and affective processes that explain how consumers arrive at price fairness judgments. To address these gaps in the literature, we introduce two studies aimed at understanding the process through which the salient efforts of referent consumers serve to mitigate perceptions of price unfairness when two customers pay different prices for the same product. The findings support a dual‐process model whereby the efforts of other (referent) customers serve to simultaneously reduce buyer anger and increase buyer understanding of the price disparity, ultimately mitigating perceptions of price unfairness.
A three‐dimensional coupled Euler‐PIC method for penetration problems
Authors: Xu Xiangzhao , Ma Tianbao , Liu Haiyan , Ning Jianguo
Published: March 2019

In this paper, a three‐dimensional coupled Euler‐PIC (particle in cell) method is proposed to solve the numerical analysis in which the Eulerian method cannot track the deformation process of material during the penetration problems. In the proposed method, the particles with a certain volume and influence domain are adopted to simulate real material flow, and the bidirectional mapping is achieved to physical quantities by the influence domain‐weighted average based on the topological relationship between grids and particles. For the complexity of parallel algorithm of hydrocode, the solution of data dependence and the realization of the parallel algorithm are presented. The numerical simulations of the typical penetration problems are compared with the corresponding experimental data to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. Moreover, the numerical simulations of shaped charge and projectile penetration of reinforced concrete targets are carried out. The deformation process of reinforcing bars on the penetration process is obtained. Numerical results show that the coupled method has the advantages of both Lagrangian and Eulerian method and efficiently calculates the process of large deformation of the material.
Development of acute lymphoblastic leukemia following treatment for acute myeloid leukemia in children with Down syndrome: A case report and retrospective review of Children's Oncology Group acute myeloid leukemia trials
Authors: Murphy Brianna R. , Roth Michael , Kolb E. Anders , Alonzo Todd , Gerbing Robert , Wells Robert J.
Published: March 2019

Children with Down syndrome have a 150‐fold increased risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and 20‐fold increased risk of developing acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Although the risk of developing AML and ALL is significantly increased in children with Down syndrome, the development of both malignancies in the same patient is very rare. We describe a patient with Down syndrome who developed ALL 6 years after being diagnosed with AML. We performed a literature review and Children's Oncology Group query and discovered eight published cases and five cases of ALL following AML in pediatric patients with Down syndrome, as well as six cases of ALL following AML in non‐Down syndrome patients. There was a similar cumulative incidence of ALL after treatment for AML in the Down syndrome and non‐Down syndrome populations. Overall survival in patients with Down syndrome who developed ALL after treatment for AML was comparable to overall survival for patients with Down syndrome with de novo ALL with an average follow‐up of 7 years after ALL diagnosis. Clinical data collected were used to discuss whether this phenomenon represents a secondary leukemia, second primary cancer, or mixed‐lineage leukemia.
Elevated tricuspid regurgitation velocity in congenital hemolytic anemias: Prevalence and laboratory correlates
Authors: Yates Amber M. , Joshi Vijaya M. , Aygun Banu , Moen Joseph , Smeltzer Matthew P. , Govindaswamy Devi , Dowdy Jola , Cotton Alyssa , Kang Guolian , Ware Russell E. , Hankins Jane S.
Published: March 2019

Elevated tricuspid valve regurgitation jet velocity (TRV ≥ 2.5 m/s) is associated with mortality among adults with sickle cell disease (SCD), but correlative biomarkers are not studied according to treatment exposure or genotypes. To investigate the associations between biomarkers and TRV elevation, we examined the relationship between TRV and hemolytic, inflammatory, and cardiac biomarkers, stratified by disease‐modifying treatments and SCD genotype. In total, 294 participants with SCD (mean age, 11.0 ± 3.7 years) and 49 hereditary spherocytosis (HS; mean age, 22.9 ± 19.75 years) were included for comparison and enrolled. TRV was elevated in 30.7% of children with SCD overall: 18.8% in HbSC/HbSβ+‐thalassemia, 28.9% in untreated HbSS/HbSβ0‐thalassemia, 34.2% in HbSS/HbSβ0‐thalassemia hydroxyurea‐treated, and 57% in HbSS/HbSβ0‐thalassemia chronic transfusion treated. TRV was elevated in 10.7% and 27.8% in HS children and adults, respectively. In children with SCD, elevated TRV was correlated with hemoglobin (odds ratio [OR] = 0.78, P = 0.004), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; OR = 2.52, P = 0.005), and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐pro BNP; OR = 1.003, P = 0.004). In multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for genotype, sex, hemolytic index, and treatment, hemoglobin concentration remained the only significant variable associated with elevated TRV in untreated HbSS/HbSβ0‐thalassemia participants. TRV was not associated with inflammatory markers, other markers of hemolysis, or NT‐pro BNP in untreated HbSS/HbSβ0‐thalassemia. Neither hemoglobin nor LDH was associated with TRV in HbSC/HbSβ+‐thalassemia. These results suggest that elevated TRV is influenced by the degree of anemia, possibly reflecting sickling as part of the disease pathophysiology. Prospective studies should monitor hemoglobin concentration as children with SCD age into adulthood, prompting initiation of TRV screening and monitoring.
Printed assemblies of microscale triple‐junction inverted metamorphic GaInP/GaAs/InGaAs solar cells
Authors: Gai Boju , Geisz John F. , Friedman Daniel J. , Chen Huandong , Yoon Jongseung
Published: March 2019

Inverted metamorphic (IMM) multijunction solar cells represent a promising material platform for ultrahigh efficiency photovoltaic systems (UHPVs) with a clear pathway to beyond 50% efficiency. The conventional device processing of IMM solar cells, however, typically involves wafer bonding of a centimeter‐scale die and destructive substrate removal, thereby imposing severe restrictions in achievable cell size, type of module substrate, spatial layout, as well as cost effectiveness. Here, we report material design and fabrication strategies for microscale triple‐junction IMM (3J IMM) Ga0.51In0.49P/GaAs/In0.26Ga0.74As solar cells that can overcome these difficulties. Specialized schemes of delineation and undercut etching enable the defect‐free release of microscale IMM solar cells and printed assemblies on a glass substrate in a manner that preserves the growth substrate, where efficiencies of 27.3% and 33.9% are demonstrated at simulated AM1.5D one‐ and 351 sun illumination, respectively. A composite carrier substrate where released IMM microcells are formed in fully functional, print‐ready configurations allows high‐throughput transfer printing of individual IMM microcells in a programmable spatial layout on versatile choices of module substrate, all desired for CPV applications.
Somatic alterations detected in diagnostic prostate biopsies provide an inadequate representation of multifocal prostate cancer
Authors: Kristiansen Anna , Bergström Rebecka , Delahunt Brett , Samaratunga Hemamali , Guðjónsdóttir Jóna , Grönberg Henrik , Egevad Lars , Lindberg Johan
Published: March 2019

Background

The majority of clinical prostate cancers are multifocal with morphological and molecular heterogeneity. Adequate tissue representation is crucial for the clinical utility of multigene panel sequencing of core needle biopsies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genomic heterogeneity in multifocal prostate cancer and to analyze how representative preoperative biopsies are of spatially separated tumor foci.

Methods

We analyzed at least 2 tumor foci and 1 to 3 preoperative biopsy cores from 11 patients. Diagnostic biopsies, as well as fresh frozen and formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded samples, from major tumor foci of radical prostatectomy specimens were macrodissected for the enrichment of tumor tissue. DNA was extracted and sequenced. We analyzed structural alterations, mutations, and copy number variations and compared the genomic profiles of tumor foci with those of preoperative biopsies.

Results

Alterations were rarely shared between foci, indicating a high degree of genomic heterogeneity. In 8 of 11 men at least 1 tumor focus was represented by the biopsies defined as harboring at least 1 common clonal somatic event. In only one case, somatic alterations from two spatially separate tumors were identified in the biopsies. Of the mutations and structural variants detected in fresh frozen or formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded prostatectomy material, only an average of 19% (range 0‐44) and 55% (range 0‐100), respectively, were found in preoperative biopsies where a common somatic origin was established.

Conclusions

Multifocal prostate cancer is a somatically heterogeneous disease in which systematic needle biopsies do not provide sufficient molecular representation of the somatic alterations detected in spatially distinct tumor areas. Targeted biopsies, directed at separate tumor foci, could potentially improve tissue representation of these heterogeneous foci in preoperative biopsies.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of ZnO Toward the Degradation of Methylene Blue Dye: Effects of Fe3+ and Sn4+ Doping
Authors: Ji Zhiyue , Luo Zhanzhou , Li Jibiao , Li Ping
Published: March 2019

ZnO, Fe0.01ZnO, Sn0.05ZnO, and Fe0.01Sn0.01ZnO photocatalysts are prepared by a simple low‐temperature solution method using Zn(NO3)2, Fe(NO3)3, SnCl4, and NaOH as raw materials. X‐ray diffraction, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible diffusion spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy are performed to characterize the products. All doped ZnO samples exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activity compared with undoped ZnO toward methylene blue (MB) degradation. In particular, Sn0.05ZnO shows excellent performance among the doped samples. The degradation rate of MB by Sn0.05ZnO reaches 99.61% after 120 min of illumination, which is approximately 2.2 times as high as that by undoped ZnO (45.88%). A comparison of the photocatalytic activity of the samples reveals the effects of Fe3+ and Sn4+ doping on the photocatalytic performance of ZnO on the basis of the following aspects: formation of impurity level, particle size, and pore structure of catalyst, microstructural changes in the crystal, and action of doped ions.
A new high‐resolution Meteorological Reanalysis Italian Dataset: MERIDA
Authors: Bonanno Riccardo , Lacavalla Matteo , Sperati Simone
Published: March 2019

During the last 15 years, weather extremes caused several disruptions to the Italian electric system. Their increasingly occurrence is mainly due to the exchanges along the meridians of air masses with very different thermal, density and moisture content properties. The Italian transmission system operator and the distribution companies have repeatedly stressed the need to have a reliable and updatable weather dataset with a history of at least 15 years to improve the resilience of the electric system. The aim of this work is to develop a new MEteorological Reanalysis Italian DAtaset (MERIDA) able to respond to the energy stakeholders, who need reliable meteorological data to implement effective adaptation strategies to operate the electric system safely. MERIDA consists of a dynamical downscaling of the new European Centre for Medium‐range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) global reanalysis ERA5 using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, which is configured to describe the typical weather conditions of Italy. Furthermore, the optimal interpolation (OI) technique is applied to the modelled 2 m temperature and precipitation data through the use of meteorological observations of the Regional Agencies for Environmental Protection. MERIDA is verified against COSMO REA6 of the Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD) and ERA5 itself for the period 2010–2015, showing comparable or better results in the reconstruction of 2 m temperature and precipitation. The best results are obtained with MERIDA post‐processed by the OI. Some severe weather events that determined important electric disruptions are also analysed, showing that MERIDA is able to identify the meteorological conditions leading to significant events of wet snow, heatwaves and floods through their correct spatial and temporal location and through a quantitative assessment of each atmospheric phenomenon.
Endohedral and exohedral complexes of 1‐benzene with carbon nanotubes and high‐density assembly of multiple benzenes inside of a carbon nanotube
Authors: Jiang Yue , Wang Cuihong
Published: March 2019

The 1‐benzene was put on the inside and surface of various armchair (n, n) (n = 6‐12, 14) and zigzag (n, 0) (n = 10‐17, 20) nanotubes of different diameters. The binding structure, binding energy, and effects on binding energy were analyzed. All interaction structures and the properties of the assembled complexes were investigated via density functional tight‐binding method. Furthermore, we put multiple benzene molecules (2‐18 benzenes) inside the armchair (10, 10), (9, 9), and (8, 8) carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and found that two types of structures were formed for the endohedral complexes of multiple benzenes‐spiral symmetrical polygon and criss‐crossed types, respectively. The detail of the binding energies and structure properties for (10, 10)/kBen (k = 1‐6, 18), (9, 9)/kBen (k = 4, 5, 15), and (8, 8)/kBen (k = 1‐8) were discussed. Furthermore, the HOMOs and LUMOs of the representative complexes were also studied to illustrate the interactions. This article offers a new assembly method to prepare a high density of benzenes inside of CNTs and offers a method for benzene adsorption by CNT.
Characterization of a new component and impurities in josamycin by trap‐free two‐dimensional liquid chromatography coupled to ion trap time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu Guijun , Xu Yu , Sang Jing , Zhu Bingqi , Wang Jian
Published: March 2019

Rationale

The toxicities of the impurities of a drug will affect the clinical effects and cause potential health risk; therefore, it is essential to study profiles of the impurities. In this study, a new structural type of component and two acid degradation impurities in josamycin were discovered and characterized for the further improvement of official monographs in pharmacopoeias.

Methods

The component and acid degradation impurities in josamycin were separated and preliminary characterized by trap‐free two‐dimensional liquid chromatography coupled to high‐resolution ion trap time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (2D LC/IT‐TOF MS) in both positive and negative electrospray ionization mode. The eluent of each peak from the first dimensional chromatographic system was trapped by a switching valve and subsequently transferred to the second dimensional chromatographic system, which was connected to the mass spectrometer. Full scan MS was firstly conducted to obtain the exact m/z values of the molecules. Then LC/MS/MS and LC/MS/MS/MS experiments were performed on the compounds of interest.

Results

A new structural type of component, which was named as josamycin A, and two acid degradation impuritiess, which were identified as impurity I and impurity II, were discovered in josamycin. Their structures and fragmentation pattern were deduced according to MSn data. Furthermore, josamycin A was synthesized and impurity I was separated by preparative HPLC. The structures of josamycin A and the impurities were confirmed by 1H NMR and 13C NMR data.

Conclusions

Josamycin A was produced when the hydroxyl group on the macrolide of josamycin was oxidized into a carbonyl group. Impurity I and impurity II were produced by the loss of one molecule of acetyl mycaminose from josamycin and josamycin A, respectively. Compared with josamycin, the experimental results showed that josamycin A had a higher antibacterial activity with similar cytotoxicity, while impurity I had no antibacterial activity but a higher cytotoxicity. As a result, the control of impurity I is significant.
Massive haemoptysis from right middle lobe bronchus managed by customized silicon stents
Authors: Xu Weihua , Wang Hongwei , He Haidong , Hu Huiping , Lu Haihua , Li Guozheng
Published: March 2019

Massive haemoptysis is life‐threatening. Management options include pharmacological treatment, bronchial artery embolization, surgical resection, and bronchoscopic interventions. As an alternative treatment method of controlling haemoptysis, endobronchial stent insertion has been performed in several pulmonary carcinoma patients. We presented an 89‐year‐old bronchiectasis patient who developed massive haemoptysis from the right middle lobe bronchus. Haemoptysis was not controlled by both pharmacological treatment and bronchial artery embolization. Two customized silicone stents with the one in the right middle lobe bronchus and another in the right intermediate bronchus were used to manage haemoptysis. One month after stents implantation, the stent inside the right intermediate bronchus was removed, another stent was left in the right middle lobe bronchus to continue occluding the bleeding passageway. Haemoptysis did not occur after silicon stents deployment. This may be the first case of receiving straight silicon stent implantation to manage massive haemoptysis from the right middle lobe bronchus.