bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interleukin‐1β injection causes loss of tail tips in neonatal mice
Authors: Harshaw Christopher , Warner Anna G.
Published: December 2020

Early‐life immune challenges and inflammation are risk factors for a range of developmental disorders. During the course of a study examining interactions between the common antipyretic acetaminophen (APAP; paracetamol) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β)‐induced inflammation in neonatal mice we observed that subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of IL‐1β often leads to significantly shorter, blunt‐tipped tails. Three times during early development, on postnatal day 5 (P5), P8, and P11, C57BL/6J pups were given s.c. injection of either .2 μg/kg IL‐1β or 5 cc/kg injection of saline vehicle followed, after a 45 min delay, by a second injection, of either 103.9 mg/kg APAP or saline. IL‐1β was observed to reduce tail length—via a blunting of the tail tip—in treated vs. untreated mice, an effect that was significant as early as P11 and persisted through the end of the study (~P74). Interestingly, IL‐1β‐induced tail blunting was significantly lessened by APAP, an interaction that may have occurred as a result of the opposing actions of APAP and IL‐1β on cyclooxygenase‐2. Although this specific hypothesis and the mechanisms underlying the effects of IL‐1β on tail length require further study, they add to the literature suggesting that IL‐1β may be a critical mediator of specific adverse effects of early‐life inflammation.
Development of a robust reporter gene assay for measuring the bioactivity of OX40‐targeted therapeutic antibodies
Authors: Li Meng , Wang Lan , Yu Chuanfei , Wang Junzhi
Published: December 2020

OX40 plays a prominent role in the onset and development of solid tumors, and OX40‐targeted monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have entered clinical trials for various tumors. Bioactivity determination of therapeutic mAbs is of great significance in product quality, however, mechanism of action‐based bioassays to determine the bioactivity of anti‐OX40 mAbs is still lacking. Here, we established a reporter gene assay system based on two cell lines, namely Jurkat‐OX40‐NFκB‐Luc which stably expresses NFκB‐controlled luciferase, and Raji cells which inherently express FcγRs. In the model, FcγRs on Raji cells could crosslink the Fc of anti‐OX40 mAbs, which leads to the further crosslinking between Fab of anti‐OX40 mAbs and OX40 on Jurkat‐OX40‐NFκB‐Luc cells. OX40 crosslinking could activate Jurkat‐OX40‐NFκB‐Luc cells, and induce the expression of NFκB‐controlled luciferase, the extent of which could reflect the bioactivity of anti‐OX40 mAbs in a dose‐dependent manner. After the optimization of various assay conditions, the validation of the cell‐based bioassay showed good assay performance characteristics, including specificity, accuracy, precision, linearity, and stability. This innovative assay that is based on the OX40‐NFκB pathway can be a powerful pool to measure the bioactivity of OX40‐targeted mAbs.
Amnion‐Chorion Membrane in Open‐Wound Approach for Localized Horizontal Ridge Augmentation: A Case Series Report
Authors: Yu Shan‐Huey , Oh Tae‐Ju , Wang Hom‐Lay , Chan Hsun‐Liang
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Guided bone augmentation often requires extensive releasing of the mucoperiosteal flap to achieve primary wound closure, an invasive procedure that can compromise the keratinized tissue volume and increase patient morbidity. Amnion‐chorion membranes have been used to actively promote healing in chronic open‐wound situations in the medical field, suggesting that they could be used in a similar manner in the oral cavity.The ability to use open‐wound healing techniques for guided bone regeneration would allow clinicians to avoid invasive procedures that cause additional tissue trauma at the surgical site.

Case Series

Amnion‐chorion membranes were applied over the bone grafting material augmenting localized horizontal ridge defects, and a gap between the flaps was left intentionally during healing. Minor flap releasing procedures were performed in these cases, which demonstrated uneventful soft tissue healing, good volume of bone regeneration and preserved keratinized tissue.

Conclusions

Preliminary clinical outcomes suggested contained minor horizontal ridge defects may be treated satisfactorily in a controlled, open‐wound healing manner that reduces surgical trauma, chair time, and patient morbidity.
Early percutaneous dilational tracheostomy in COVID‐19 patients: A case report
Authors: Marzban‐Rad Saeid , Sattari Parastesh , Heidarian Moghadam Morteza , Azimi Ghasem
Published: December 2020

The need of intubation and mechanical ventilation is associated with poor prognosis in COVID‐19 patients. Herein, we present two cases of patients with COVID‐19 where intubation and mechanical ventilation failed, and therefore, percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy was performed. The usage of PDT was associated with faster and better recovery in these patients.
Enhanced characterization of yeast hydrolysate combining acid digestion and 1D‐1H NMR targeted profiling
Authors: Quattrociocchi Marco , Boegel Scott J. , Aucoin Marc G.
Published: December 2020

Yeast extract, or autolysate, is a required component for many cell‐culture media, but its exact constituents and benefits are unknown. Yeast extract contains a diverse assortment of metabolites, often present in complex forms (eg, polypeptides and polynucleotides). This study employs one‐dimensional proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1D‐1H NMR) spectroscopy to analyze free (ie, readily available) components present in commercially available yeast autolysate. The product is monitored while further subjected to acid hydrolysis, allowing for a more robust understanding of the exact components present, particularly those contained in complex forms. The amino acids and glucose compounds behaved as expected based on other acid hydrolysis studies, and were modelled similarly. Parameter estimation was in strong agreement with pre‐hydrolysis targeted 1D‐1H NMR profiling. This analysis was expanded to components not as thoroughly investigated and was especially applicable to nucleic compounds. Acid hydrolysis revealed that the yeast extract was approximately 5.4% nucleic material by weight, mostly composed of adenosine, and largely provided by RNA due to the presence of uracil and lack of thymidine. Choline‐containing compounds were also positively identified with an observable increase of free choline during hydrolysis. 1D‐1H NMR spectroscopy allowed for the simultaneous monitoring of a significant number of yeast‐extract metabolites, some of which were previously unreported. Utilizing 1D‐1H NMR spectroscopy in conjunction with acid hydrolysis led to a more complete view of the compounds present, and accounted for an additional 24% of the yeast‐extract mass.
Prevalence and impact of cardiac injury on COVID‐19: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Fu Linghua , Liu Xiao , Su Yuhao , Ma Jianyong , Hong Kui
Published: December 2020

Background

The exact prevalence and impact of cardiac injury in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is still controversial. Hence, we aim to investigate prevalence of cardiac injury and its impact on the outcomes in patients with COVID‐19.

Hypothesis

Cardiac injury is common and associated with higher risk of death.

Methods

We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, MedRxiv, and EMBASE databases from December 2019 to July 15, 2020 for studies that evaluated the prevalence and impact of cardiac injury on COVID‐19. This study has been registered with PROSPERO (International prospective register of systematic reviews)‐registration number‐CRD‐42020186120.

Results

Twenty‐one studies including 6297 participants were identified. The proportions of cardiac injury were 22%, 28% among hospitalized patients with COVID‐19 or severe COVID‐19 patients, respectively. The incidences of cardiac injury in advance age (>60 years) (30%) was about two‐fold than young patients (<60 years) (15%) with COVID‐19. Severe cases (42%) have seven‐fold prevalence cardiac injury than in their non‐ severe counterparts (6%). Furthermore, cardiac injury is associated with an increased risk of all‐cause mortality in patients with COVID‐19 (OR 10.11, 95% CI 4.49–22.77). In patients with severe COVID‐19, cardiac injury is associated with an increased risk of all‐cause mortality (OR: 16.79, 95% CI: 5.52–51.02).

Conclusions

This was the first meta‐analysis exploring the prevalence and impact of cardiac injury on COVID‐19. Cardiac injury is common in hospitalized patients and advanced age and severe COVID‐19 patients prone to experience more risk of cardiac injury. Furthermore, cardiac injury is associated with increased risk of all‐cause mortality.
Short‐term electric power load forecasting using factor analysis and long short‐term memory for smart cities
Authors: Veeramsetty Venkataramana , Chandra D. Rakesh , Salkuti Surender Reddy
Published: December 2020

Electric load estimation is an important activity for electrical power system operators to operate the system stably and optimally. This paper develops a machine learning model with a long short‐term memory and a factor analysis to predict the load at a specific hour of the day on an electrical power substation. Historical load data from the 33‐/11‐kV substation near Kakatiya University in Warangal are taken at each hour of the day for the period from September 2018 to November 2018. A new long short‐term memory architecture with factor analysis is being designed based on the approach used to predict substation loads by simulation in Microsoft Azure Notebooks. Based on the study, it was found that the proposed design predicts loads with good accuracy.
A high efficiency soft‐switched DC–DC converter with high voltage conversion ratio
Authors: Shayeghi Hossein , Pourjafar Saeed , Hashemzadeh Seyed Majid , Blaabjerg Frede
Published: December 2020

This work proposes a kind of DC–DC topology with a higher voltage conversion ratio. The suggested converter utilizes a coupled inductor and a voltage multiplier cell to enhance the voltage conversion ratio. The voltage multiplier cell has the feature of the clamping circuit, which can decrease the maximum voltage of the semiconductors elements. In the presented structure, only one lower ON‐state resistance (RDS‐ON) power switch is utilized that makes the control circuit to be simple. The proposed converter has soft‐switching features such as zero‐current switching (ZCS) and zero voltage switching (ZVS) that lead to decrease the diodes reverse recovery losses and increase the efficiency. Besides, the ripple value of the input current is lower than the other similar works. The high efficiency and low input current ripple make the suggested converter suitable for photovoltaic (PV) applications. In order to approve the technical analysis of the recommended structure, technical investigations and comparison study with some similar structures are carried out. Finally, for demonstrating the advantages of the presented structure, a laboratory circuit is built with 12‐V DC source voltage, 120‐V load voltage, and power rate of 100 W in 50‐kHz operation frequency.
Book Review
Authors: Devall Esther L.
Published: December 2020

Mindful Leadership: An Insight‐Based Approach to College Administration
Unravelling the pore network and its behaviour: An integrated NMR, MICP, XCT and petrographical study of continental spring carbonates from the Ballık area, SW Turkey
Authors: Soete Jeroen , Claes Steven , Claes Hannes , Erthal Marcelle M. , Hamaekers Helen , De Boever Eva , Foubert Anneleen , Klitzsch Norbert , Swennen Rudy
Published: December 2020

Applying an integrated methodology, including petrography, mercury injection capillary pressure, laboratory nuclear magnetic resonance and X‐ray computed tomography, on continental spring carbonate reservoir analogue samples is a prerequisite to understand plug scale porosity and permeability heterogeneities. Depending on the dominant pore type in a sample, the orientation and distribution of the pores, pore network connectivity varies from poor to excellent in these continental spring carbonates. The latter exhibit large‐scale ranges for both porosity (3%–25%) and permeability (0.004–3,675 mD). Facies classification alone proved insufficient to link porosity and permeability, due to intrafacies pore network variability. Better assessment of reservoir properties can be achieved by subdividing facies into lithotype and pore type classes. Obtained pore network data addresses the pore types, pore (throat) sizes, number of pore compartments, and allow a subdivision of the pore size distributions into unimodal, bimodal and atypical types. There is no micropore compartment present in samples with unimodal mercury injection capillary pressure and nuclear magnetic resonance distributions. Decoupled micropore compartments are observed in samples with bimodal mercury injection capillary pressure and nuclear magnetic resonance distributions, which show isolating calcite rims, and have limited permeabilities. The cement rims decrease the macropore connectivity and decouple the micropore compartments, which reside in micritic dendrites. The micropore compartment (r < 1 µm) is coupled with the mesopore (r = 1–15 µm) and macropore compartment (r > 15 µm) for atypical samples which lack pore‐lining calcite rims.
Intense pulsed light: The early years
Authors: Almukhtar Rawaa , Carr Emily , Goldman Mitchel
Published: December 2020

Background

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is one of the most controversial and widely used light‐based technologies that had its origin in San Diego in 1992 and was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in late 1995.

Aims

The purpose of this review is to highlight the early years’ experience with IPL and development of its use over time.

Material and Methods

Articles from PubMed on this subject were reviewed and clinical experience of the authors were shared.

Results

IPL was initially developed as an improved treatment for leg telangiectasias. Its ability to successfully treat vascular lesions while minimizing purpura, a common complication of pulsed dye lasers, as well as exfoliating superficial pigmented lesions and eliminating hair, extended the clinical utility of IPL to treat both pigmented and vascular lesions, providing the basis for its role in photo‐rejuvenation.

Discussion

IPL is an effective and safe treatment modality for a wide range of dermatologic conditions from pigmented to vascular and inflammatory disorders.
Psychosocial predictors of eating classification in female athletes: From collegiate sport to retirement
Authors: Thompson Alexandra , Petrie Trent , Balcom Kayla , Tackett Bailey , Edward Watkins C.
Published: December 2020

Objective

Due to high prevalence, female athletes are considered a high‐risk group for eating disorders (i.e., clinical ED = 2.0% to 19.9%; subclinical ED = 7.1% to 49.2%). Cross‐sectional and longitudinal research have identified psychosocial factors that influence current and future disordered eating (e.g., appearance pressures, body satisfaction), but are limited in design (e.g., timeframe, active competitors). Quantitative evaluations of psychosocial predictors of female athletes' disordered eating in retirement are lacking.

Method

The current study investigated the predictive ability of psychosocial risk factors (e.g., body dissatisfaction, negative affect) from Time1, when collegiate female athletes were actively competing, to Time2, 6 years later when the women were retired (N = 194; Mage = 25.75 years [SD = 1.19]).

Results

From Time1 to Time2, 23.5% of the women who were Healthy moved to the Disordered classification; 51% remained in Disordered. The full model for athletes who maintained their Disordered status correctly classified 76% of the athletes. Dietary intent, pressure to exercise and change appearance, body satisfaction, and internalization significantly predicted athletes' maintenance as Disordered.

Discussion

Early intervention efforts that address appearance pressures, body image, and healthful eating when athletes are actively competing are vital to help alleviate future distress, particularly in retirement.
“This is just how I cope”: An inductive thematic analysis of eating disorder recovery content created and shared on TikTok using #EDrecovery
Authors: Herrick Shannon S. C. , Hallward Laura , Duncan Lindsay R.
Published: December 2020

Objective

To explore eating disorder (ED) recovery‐related content created and shared on the social media platform TikTok.

Method

A systematic review and inductive thematic analysis of 150 TikTok posts catalogued under hashtag (#) EDrecovery. Two coders independently analyzed the posts and a critical peer facilitated discussions about the resulting codes and themes.

Results

Creators on TikTok used #EDrecovery to share their personal experiences with recovery through the use and cooption of popular (or viral) video formats, succinct storytelling, and the production of educational content. Five themes were interpreted across the data: (a) ED awareness, (b) inpatient story time: “ED unit tings”, (c) eating in recovery, (d) transformations: “how about a weight gain glow up?”, and (e) trendy gallows humor: “let's confuse people who have a good relationship with food”.

Discussion

TikTok as a user‐friendly, creative media may provide the artistic and social tools for some creators to add their distinct voice to the ED recovery narrative and foster some semblance of community. Although all of the analyzed content was catalogued under #EDrecovery, some of the posts reified the increasingly blurred boundary that exists between ED recovery and pro‐ED content on TikTok.
Development of an optical pressure‐sensitive membrane based on plasmon resonance on a gold island film
Authors: Takebayashi Nagato , Ikezawa Satoshi , Iwami Kentaro
Published: December 2020

In this paper, an optical pressure‐sensitive membrane based on plasmon resonance absorption has been designed, fabricated, and demonstrated. The membrane utilizes plasmon resonance on a gold island film embedded in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layers, and the shift of the resonant wavelength was used as an indicator of pressure‐induced strain of the membrane. The membrane with total thickness of 100 µm was prepared with spin‐coating of PDMS and vacuum evaporation of gold island film with the nominal thickness of 10 nm. Pressure sensitivity of the fabricated membrane was demonstrated from the measurement of absorbance spectra and the maximum sensitivity of 0.35 nm/kPa was achieved by applying pressure up to 35 kPa. Plasmon resonance mode attributing to the pressure sensitivity has been analyzed through comparison between electromagnetic simulation and membrane stretching test. From the stretching test, red shifts of the resonant wavelength were obtained for both parallel and perpendicular polarizations to the tensile direction with the sensitivities of 0.372 and 0.134 nm/%, respectively. From the electromagnetic simulation, these red shifts can be attributed to both gap‐mode and deformation‐mode resonances of the gold island film.
Effect of big eye tuna (Thunnusobesus) head soup with different colloidal particle size on TG and TC deposition in FFA‐exposed HepG2 cells
Authors: Zhang Jing , Lin Liu , Tao Ningping , Zhu Zheqing , Wang Xichang , Wang Mingfu
Published: December 2020

Micro/nanocolloidal is confirmed as a self‐assembly structure in big eye tuna (Thunnus obesus) head soup, and lipids enriched with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are the major component. In this study, the effect of big eye tuna head soup (BETHS) with different particle size micro/nanocolloidal on lipid accumulation was initially evaluated. The original soup and microfiltration soup (with or without ginger; OGS/OGSG and MFS/MFSG) were prepared firstly. A free fatty acid‐exposed (FFA‐exposed) HepG2 cell model was built using sodium oleic acid (OA) and sodium palmitic acid (PA) (2:1). The triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) in the FFA‐exposed HepG2 cells were 8.6 ng/104 cells and 0.6 nM/104 cells, respectively, which were significantly different with control (p < .05). Both OGS and OGSG could significantly decline the TG deposition of FFA‐exposed HepG2 cells with 31% and 40% (p < .05), and in MFS and MFSG were 23% and 26% (p ≥ .05). Meanwhile, OGS inhibited the deposition of TG mainly in 18–24 hr, and OGSG mainly in 12–18 hr. All the BETHS samples showed no inhibition effect on TC deposition (p ≥ .05). This research might help to understand the improving activity of natural or traditional food products on metabolic syndrome.
The regulatory approval of anamorelin for treatment of cachexia in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer in Japan: facts and numbers.
Authors: Wakabayashi Hidetaka , Arai Hidenori , Inui Akio
Published: December 2020

Anamorelin is a ghrelin receptor agonist that can be administered orally and thought to improve cancer cachexia by improving appetite and increasing serum insulin‐like growth factor‐1. Anamorelin was not approved for use in Europe. In contrast, the use of anamorelin for cancer cachexia in four types of cancer (non‐small cell lung cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer) was approved in Japan on 11 December 2020. Phase 2 trial (ONO‐7643‐04) for the treatment of patients with non‐small cell lung cancer and cachexia resulted in 1.56 kg lean body mass increase assessed by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). Another study for advanced and unresectable gastrointestinal (colorectal, gastric, or pancreatic) cancer showed 1.89 ± 0.36 kg improvement in lean body mass. Skeletal lean body mass assessed by DXA is important for diagnosing sarcopenia and cachexia in Asia. The approval of anamorelin is expected to change clinical practice of cancer cachexia in Japan and hopefully in other countries. In the past, cachexia was rarely diagnosed in Japan, because it was often thought that cachexia meant terminal stage. The dissemination of clinical findings on anamorelin from Japan, as well as the creation of consensus papers and clinical practice guidelines for cachexia in Japan and Asia, will be required to promote international expansion in the future.
Radiopacity quantification and spectroscopic characterization of OrthoMTA and RetroMTA
Authors: Orhan Ekim Onur , Irmak Özgür , Bal Emine Zeynep , Danacı Zeliha , Babayeva Fidan , Orhan Eren , Yücel Berk Can
Published: December 2020

The aim of this article was to investigate the unknown radiopacity performances of OrthoMTA and RetroMTA via means of a contemporary image analyzing methods and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Three commercial hydraulic calcium silicate‐based cements and a calcium hydroxide‐based paste were used. Pure‐grade zirconium oxide, bismuth oxide, zinc oxide, barium sulfate, and calcium hydroxide were as references. An energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy instrument was used for the elemental analysis. Radiographic image data was obtained according to the International Organization for Standardization 6876‐2012 specifications. The region of interest was determined for each specimen. Mean (±SD) grey values of the X‐ray image data was measured with an image analyzing software. The calibration curve was created by curve‐plotting software and the mean grey‐values were matched versus Al values (mm Al). Data were analyzed with one‐way ANOVA followed by Tukey's multiple comparison test. Spectroscopic characterization of the commercial materials was shown with assigned Carbon, oxygen, aluminum, silicon, calcium, zinc, zirconium, barium, tungsten, bismuth, and sulfur elements. The major radiopacifier/s of OrthoMTA is Bi, of RetroMTA is Zr, of BioDentine are Ba and Zr, and of ProCal is Ba. The radiopacity values of all commercial materials are significantly different (p < .05). The rank of the radiopacity values: RetroMTA (3.36 ± 0.29mmAl) > OrthoMTA (2.56 ± 0.19mmAl) > BioDentine (2.02 ± 0.12mmAl) > ProCal (1.46 ± 0.60mmAl). The study reported that the radiopacity values and spectral characterization of RetroMTA and OrthoMTA cements. The pixel‐based and reproducible method could be used universally to the quantification of the radiodensity of digitally collected X‐ray data.
Enantioselective epoxidation by the chiral auxiliary approach: Asymmetric total synthesis of (+)‐Ambrisentan
Authors: Madhu Madasu , Doda Sai Reddy , Begari Prem Kumar , Dasari Krishna Rao , Thalari Gangadhar , Kadari Sudhakar , Yadav Jhillu Singh
Published: December 2020

Enantioselective and a highly concise total synthesis of Ambrisentan are described. The chiral auxiliary controlled enantioselective epoxidation (Azerad protocol), photochemical regioselective epoxide opening, and base mediated ester hydrolysis reactions are the key reactions.
The vitals of NETs
Authors: Tan Chuyi , Aziz Monowar , Wang Ping
Published: December 2020

Neutrophils produce neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) by expelling their extracellular chromatin embedded with citrullinated histone H3, myeloperoxidase, and other intracellular molecules. Since their discovery in 2004, numerous articles have demonstrated the mechanism of NET formation and their function in innate immunity and inflammation. NET components often play an antimicrobial role, but excessive NETs are deleterious and can cause inflammation and tissue damage. This review highlights recent advancements in the identification of novel pathways and mechanisms of NET formation. We also focus on the specific damaging impact of NETs in individual organs. We then discuss the progress and limitations of various NET detection assays. Collectively, these vital aspects of NETs significantly improve our understanding of the pathobiology of NETs and future diagnostics and therapeutic tools for examining and modulating NETs in inflammatory diseases.
Whole‐body magnetic resonance imaging for prostate cancer assessment: Current status and future directions
Authors: Van Nieuwenhove Sandy , Van Damme Julien , Padhani Anwar R. , Vandecaveye Vincent , Tombal Bertrand , Wuts Joris , Pasoglou Vassiliki , Lecouvet Frederic E.
Published: December 2020

Over the past decade, updated definitions for the different stages of prostate cancer and risk for distant disease, along with the advent of new therapies, have remarkably changed the management of patients. The two expectations from imaging are accurate staging and appropriate assessment of disease response to therapies. Modern, next‐generation imaging (NGI) modalities, including whole‐body magnetic resonance imaging (WB‐MRI) and nuclear medicine (most often prostate‐specific membrane antigen [PSMA] positron emission tomography [PET]/computed tomography [CT]) bring added value to these imaging tasks. WB‐MRI has proven its superiority over bone scintigraphy (BS) and CT for the detection of distant metastasis, also providing reliable evaluations of disease response to treatment. Comparison of the effectiveness of WB‐MRI and molecular nuclear imaging techniques with regard to indications and the definition of their respective/complementary roles in clinical practice is ongoing. This paper illustrates the evolution of WB‐MRI imaging protocols, defines the current state‐of‐the art, and highlights the latest developments and future challenges. The paper presents and discusses WB‐MRI indications in the care pathway of men with prostate cancer in specific key situations: response assessment of metastatic disease, “all in one” cancer staging, and oligometastatic disease.
The effects of a novel non‐invasive application of platelet‐rich fibrin on periodontal clinical parameters and gingival crevicular fluid transforming growth factor‐β and collagen‐1 levels: A randomized, controlled, clinical study
Authors: Özcan Erkan , Saygun Işıl , Kantarcı Alpdogan , Özarslantürk Savaş , Serdar Muhittin A. , Özgürtaş Taner
Published: December 2020

Background

Several potential benefits have been attributed to the platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF), including enhanced tissue healing properties. In this study, we hypothesized that the application of PRF as an adjunct to conventional scaling and root planing (ScRp) would enhance the outcomes of non‐surgical periodontal therapy.

Methods

The present study was a split‐mouth randomized controlled clinical trial design in 24 deep periodontal pockets in 12 patients with periodontitis. The pockets were randomly assigned as test or control. The test group received PRF as an adjunct to ScRp, whereas the control group received ScRp only. We measured periodontal clinical parameters at baseline, 3, and 6 months after the treatments. To study the initial healing in response to treatment, transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) and collagen‐1 (Col‐1) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay at baseline, third, seventh, and 14th days.

Results

The test group showed a significantly greater pocket reduction, higher clinical attachment gain, and less gingival recession than the control group at 3 and 6 months. The test Col‐1 levels (1.27 ± 1.05, 1.35 ± 0.76, 0.97 ± 0.53 ng/site) and TGF‐β levels (11.93 ± 2.68, 12.54 ± 3.66, 17.19 ± 11.66 pg/site) were higher than the control Col‐1 levels (0.76 ± 0.20, 0.84 ± 0.24, 0.57 ± 0.19 ng/site) and TGF‐β levels (6.34 ± 1.67, 6.35 ± 3.44, 7.51 ± 2.85 pg/site) at all measurement days respectively.

Conclusions

Non‐surgical application of the PRF as an adjunct to conventional ScRp may effectively improve the periodontal clinical parameters via increasing expression of the GCF TGF‐β and Col‐1 levels.
Social Isolation and Loneliness in the Hearing‐Impaired Pediatric Population: A Scoping Review
Authors: Patel Shubham R. , Bouldin Emerson , Tey Ching S. , Govil Nandini , Alfonso Kristan P.
Published: December 2020

Objective

To review existing publications in order to evaluate the effect of hearing loss on social isolation and loneliness in the pediatric population.

Methods

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses for Scoping Review (PRISMA‐ScR) guidelines were followed. Eight databases were searched. Studies were independently screened and analyzed by two reviewers. Publications were included if pediatric hearing‐impaired individuals and social isolation or loneliness were studied. Discrepancies were resolved by a team of five reviewers.

Results

Thirty‐three studies were included in this review. Sixty percent of studies (12/20) found that hearing loss was related to loneliness and 64.7% found that children with hearing loss experienced more social isolation (11/17). The Asher Loneliness and Dissatisfaction Questionnaire was commonly used to assess loneliness. No commonly used tool for assessing social isolation was found. Six articles found that school type was not associated with loneliness. Difficulty communicating was the most mentioned factor leading to loneliness and social isolation. Frequent recommendations to improve social integration included facilitating interactions with the hearing‐impaired and educating the nonhearing‐impaired to normalize the disability.

Conclusion

The majority of studies found that hearing impairment results in a higher prevalence of social isolation and loneliness. However, an association cannot be definitively claimed due to the lack of uniform assessment tools. This review emphasizes the need for standardized methods to assess loneliness and social isolation and highlights methods to improve social integration for the hearing impaired. Laryngoscope, 131:1869–1875, 2021
Comparing microbial composition and diversity in freshwater lakes between Greenland and the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Xing Peng , Tao Ye , Jeppesen Erik , Wu Qinglong L.
Published: December 2020

Greenland and the Tibetan Plateau, also known as the third pole, are both cold environments where anthropogenic activities are relatively weak. There are multitudinous lakes in both regions, especially in Greenland, where small water bodies are continuously created as glaciers retreat. It is unclear whether the community structure and community assembly mechanisms of these water bodies are consistent with those of lakes in the Tibetan Plateau that were indirectly influenced by glaciers. In addition, due to different evolution times of the lakes, differences of microbial diversity, especially at the sub‐species level, are feasible but not yet reported. Microbial compositions in lake water and sediment were investigated based on high‐throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. The oligotyping analysis revealed disproportionally distributed bacterial oligotypes in lakes between the two different areas. Moreover, microbial macrodiversity and intra‐operational taxonomic units microdiversity is significantly higher in Greenland lakes which experiencing early lake ontogeny. Microbial community composition and functionality significantly distinguished between the two regions and habitats. Multivariate analysis together with null model tests demonstrated that deterministic processes largely controlled the patterns of community structure in the sediment, while stochastic processes are more important for those in pelagic water in both regions. Microbes may be further subject to N and P co‐limitation in line with the evolution of lake ecosystems. The obtained results could help us understand evolution trajectory of these polar lakes under the future climate change scenario.
Rouse Mode Analysis of Relaxation in Polymer Blends
Authors: Li Wei , Cao Xue‐Zheng , Merlitz Holger , Wu Chen‐Xu
Published: December 2020

The relaxation spectra of the components in polymer blends determine the dynamic mechanical properties of the corresponding composite materials, which, in thermo‐rheological studies, show a delicate dependence on their chemical and physical properties as well as its bulk composition. A molecular dynamics simulation based Rouse mode analysis is performed to detect the relaxation spectra of the component chains on all length scales ranging from one monomer to the whole chain size, indicating that the bulk composition dominates the relaxation dynamics of the components in miscible polymer blends. The relaxation of component chains accelerates on all length scales as increasing the free volume available to monomers to move, with the dependence of mobility shift on composition being quantified by a Williams–Landel–Ferry like function governing the time‐composition superposition. Role of the chain connectivity induced self‐concentration effect on chain relaxation in polymer blends is discussed and proved to be limited, which leads to a visible but subtle length‐scale dependent rheological complexity as the composition is varied.
Ku‐band GaAs mHEMT MMIC and RF front‐end module for space applications
Authors: Arican Galip Orkun , Akcam Nursel , Yazgan Erdem
Published: December 2020

This article presents a Ku‐band Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC) and RF front‐end module for space applications. LNA MMIC was developed with utilizing 0.07 μm GaAs m‐HEMT process. Noise Figure (NF) and gain results of LNA module were measured as 1.3 and 43 dB, respectively and OIP3 was measured as +20 dBm at the ambient temperature. The LNA module was tested in the temperature range between −25°C and 75°C and small signal gain and NF variation were less than 3 and 0.8 dB, respectively. This article describes the MMIC LNA design, mechanical chassis design, WR75 waveguide‐to‐microstrip design, and measurement results of the LNA front‐end module.
Development and psychometric properties of Iranian women childbirth experience questionnaire
Authors: Hosseini Tabaghdehi Monirolsadate , Keramat Afsaneh , Shahhosseini Zohreh , Kolahdozan Sakineh , Moosazadeh Mahmood , Motaghi Zahra
Published: December 2020

Aim

This study aimed to develop and psychometrics a questionnaire for assessing childbirth experience in Iranian women.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was done in women who experienced childbirth within the last 12 hr to 2 months from May to December 2018. Questionnaire items were extracted from a comprehensive review of the available studies and questionnaires on childbirth experiences and definitions implied by qualitative interviews. The designed questionnaire was validated in three stages: face, content and construct. Cronbach's alpha was used to determine the reliability of the instrument.

Result

Iranian women childbirth experience questionnaire contained seven factors with 52 items which were called professional support, husband's and other important support, baby, preparation, fear, positive perception and control were extracted. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient after factor analysis was 0.62–0.92 and for the whole instrument was 0.91. The findings showed that Iranian women childbirth experience questionnaire was valid and reliable.
The attitudes of healthcare professionals towards nurse–physician collaboration
Authors: Hossny Eman Kamel , Sabra Hanaa Esmail
Published: December 2020

Aims

The current study aims to examine the attitudes of healthcare professionals towards nurse–physician collaboration and to explore the level of satisfaction concerning the quality of collaboration among them.

Design

A descriptive comparative study design was used to demonstrate attitudes of 338 participants (158 internship nurses, 139 nurses and 41 physicians) working in intensive care units, surgical department and medical department.

Methods

Two instruments were used, socio‐demographic data sheet and Jefferson scale of attitude towards nurse–physician collaboration (JSANPC), it consisted of 15 items under 4 dimensions.

Results

The internship nurses have the high score (38.6%) in poor level of satisfaction regarding quality of collaboration between nurses and physicians comparing to staff nurses and physicians. Physicians are satisfied (61%) with the level of collaboration between them and nurses. Staff nurses have the high positive attitude (48.45 (4.03)) towards collaboration between nurses and physicians comparing to physicians and internship nurses.

Conclusion

Internship nurses were not satisfied with the level of collaboration between nurses and physicians.
Clinicostatistical analyses of medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ): Evaluation of the treatment method and prognosis
Authors: Osaka Ryuta , Kato Hiroshi , Hamada Yuji , Fujimoto Yasuhiro , Mizusawa Nobuhito , Watanabe Daisuke , Kaneko Akihiro
Published: December 2020

Objective

Medication‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is an adverse event associated with the use of antiresorptive agents such as bisphosphonate (BP) and denosumab (Dmab). The major clinical symptoms of MRONJ are progressive destruction of the jaw, prolonged pain, bone exposure, soft tissue swelling, fistula, and infections. These symptoms influence the patients’ quality of life. However, there is no consensus on the appropriate treatment approach for MRONJ. This retrospective study aimed to investigate the treatment methods and prognosis in patients with MRONJ.

Methods

A total of 88 MRONJ patients were retrospectively examined. Various demographic and treatment‐related variables were examined and analyzed to determine their correlations with the prognoses.

Results

Low‐dose administration of an antiresorptive agent and surgical treatment showed better outcomes. Furthermore, among 55 patients who underwent surgical treatment, those who underwent extensive surgery experienced significantly better prognosis than those who underwent conservative surgery.

Conclusion

The results of this study support the assertion that "surgical therapy is recommended for stage II to III disease" as proposed by Japanese position paper. However, the selection criteria for surgical treatment and the method of surgery may vary from one institution to another.

In future, it is necessary to conduct a multi‐center research and examine the criteria for surgical treatment.
Core outcomes in gestational diabetes for treatment trials: The Gestational Metabolic Group treatment set
Authors: Bashir Mohammed , Syed Asma , Furuya‐Kanamori Luis , Musa Omran A. H. , Mohamed Aisha M. , Skarulis Monica , Thalib Lukman , Konje Justin C. , Abou‐Samra Abdul‐Badi , Doi Suhail A. R.
Published: December 2020

Aims

With the rising number of outcomes being reported following gestational diabetes (GDM), the outcomes in existing studies vary widely making it challenging to compare and contrast the effectiveness of different interventions for GDM. The purpose of this study was to develop a core outcome and measurement set (COS) for GDM treatment trials.

Materials & Methods

A Delphi study with structured consultation with stakeholders and discussion within a specialist Gestational Metabolic Group (GEM) were combined with a comprehensive systematic search across different databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase). Several Delphi rounds over 2 years were conducted culminating in this report.

Results

The process resulted in a targeted set of outcomes constituting a “GEM treatment set” aligned with expert opinion. The final COS also included a measurement set for the 11 important clinical outcomes from three major domains: maternal metabolic, fetal, and pregnancy related.

Conclusions

Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that future clinical trials on GDM report outcomes uniformly keeping to the recommended COS outcomes.
Eating behaviors and dietary quality in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivors
Authors: Chardon Marie L. , Pinto Stefania , Slayton William B. , Fisher Rachel S. , Janicke David M.
Published: December 2020

Background

Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors’ increased risk for adverse health outcomes could be mitigated through consuming a balanced diet. Nonetheless, >70% of adult survivors do not meet survivorship dietary recommendations. ALL treatment may amplify risk for restricted dietary preferences (picky eating) and poor self‐regulation of food intake that could contribute to suboptimal diets in survivorship. This study aims to: (a) characterize differences in picky eating and self‐regulation of food intake between survivors and peer controls; and (b) examine the associations between these eating behaviors and dietary quality in ALL survivors relative to peer controls.

Methods

Participants were children (5‐13 years) with (n = 32) and without (n = 32) a history of ALL and their caregivers. Children's dietary quality (Healthy Eating Index‐2015) was calculated from 24‐h dietary recalls. Caregivers completed the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire‐Food Fussiness subscale and the Child Self‐Regulation in Eating Questionnaire.

Results

Independent samples t‐tests revealed survivors exhibited greater picky eating than peer controls but comparable self‐regulation of food intake. Bootstrapped grouped multivariate regression results showed that for ALL survivors, greater picky eating was associated with worse dietary quality (controlling for age and self‐regulation of food intake). For peer controls, worse self‐regulation of food intake was associated with poorer dietary quality (controlling for picky eating and age).

Conclusions

Results provide preliminary support that different eating behaviors contribute to poor dietary quality in children with and without an ALL history. These findings suggest that interventions to improve ALL survivors’ dietary quality may benefit targeting picky eating.
Quality of life in chronic pain patients: Illness‐ and wellness‐focused coping as moderators
Authors: Pereira M. Graça , Carvalho Cátia , Costa Eleonora C. V. , Leite Ângela , Almeida Valéria
Published: December 2020

Chronic pain is a health problem that significantly influences patients' lives, causing functional, social, socioeconomic, and emotional changes that impact quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to evaluate which variables (e.g., psychological morbidity, illness representations, pain, and coping) contribute to QoL and to analyse the moderating role of illness‐ and wellness‐focused coping in the relationship between pain interference and Qol, in chronic pain patients. A sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire, the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Chronic Pain Coping Inventory, the Short Form Health Survey, and the Brief Pain Inventory were completed by 103 patients with chronic pain. Greater use of wellness‐focused coping and being professionally active were associated with better physical QoL. Cognitive representations and illness‐focused coping contributed to physical QoL, and psychological morbidity contributed to mental QoL. Illness‐focused coping and wellness‐focused coping moderated the relationship between pain interference and physical QoL, but not with mental QoL. Since pain interference was positively related to psychological morbidity, and the latter was negatively related to QoL, it is extremely important to evaluate and promote patients' coping strategies that are focused on well‐being to improve QoL. Results from this study underline the relevance of a multidisciplinary approach to chronic pain and the need to account for psychological morbidity and coping strategies in intervention programs to promote QoL in chronic pain patients.
Neural network‐based hybrid models developed for free radical polymerization of styrene
Authors: Ghiba Luciana , Drăgoi Elena Niculina , Curteanu Silvia
Published: December 2020

In the present work, the free radical polymerization of styrene is modeled by considering the phenomenology of the process (a simplified model, which does not include the diffusional effects, gel, and glass effects) in combination with an empirical model represented by an artificial neural network. Differential evolution (DE) algorithm, belonging to the class of evolutionary algorithms, is applied for developing the neural models in optimal forms. For improving the results—predicted conversion and molecular weights as function of time, temperature, and initiator concentration—different combinations between phenomenological model and neural network are tested; also, individual and stacked neural networks have been developed for the polymerization process. This methodology based on hybrid models, including neural networks aggregated in stacks, provides accurate results.
A modus operandi toward interfacial enhancement of ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber/ polybenzoxazine blends using EPDM‐grafted‐vinyltrimethoxysilane copolymer
Authors: Karbalaei‐Bagher Milad , Ahmadi Zahed , Nazockdast Hossein
Published: December 2020

Compatibilization of polymer blends is performed to obtain synergistic effects in physical and mechanical properties. The present work demonstrates the ability of vinyltrimethoxysilane‐grafted‐ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (VTMS‐g‐EPDM) to improve the compatibility between EPDM and polybenzoxazine (PB). EPDM reacted with 5 phr of VTMS showed the highest grafting efficiency as well as a relatively low gel content, and was added to EPDM/PB blends. The addition of 8 phr of compatibilizer to 70/30 (w/w) EPDM/PB reduced the dispersed PB droplet size from 3.1 μm to 800 nm. Effects of various blend compositions at constant dosage of compatibilizer (8 phr) on the swelling behavior and tensile properties of the samples were also studied. The tensile strength increased from 12 to 14.5 MPa upon adding the compatibilizer at 50/50 blend ratio of EPDM/PB; however, the increase in the PB content had no significant impact on the tensile strength in both compatibilized and non‐compatibilized samples.