bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin A deficiency execrates Lewis lung carcinoma via induction of type 2 innate lymphoid cells and alternatively activates macrophages
Authors: Cui Weiwei , Zhang Wenxin , Yuan Xiaofeng , Liu Shanshan , Li Meng , Niu Junqi , Zhang Peng , Li Dong
Published: February 2019

Background

Lung carcinoma is still associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality despite the advances in cancer therapy achieved in last decades. Recent studies showed that immune responses played a crucial role in the developments of cancers including lung cancer. Type 1 immune response could promote classical activated macrophages (CAMs) with antitumor properties. On the contrast, type 2 immune response could lead to the polarization of alternatively activated macrophages (AAMs) which could promote the growth and metastasis of tumor. Our previous research showed that vitamin A deficiency could promote the type 2 immune response but not the type 1 immune response. Whether vitamin A deficiency has detrimental effect for lung carcinoma need further investigate.

Aim

To investigate the effect of vitamin A deficiency in lung cancer and the potential mechanisms.

Methods

Mice were fed with normal diet or vitamin A deficiency diet for 2 weeks, and then, Lewis lung cancer (LLC) cells dissolved in Matrigel Matrix were planted on the left lower lope of lungs. Mice were sacrificed 28 days after the plantation of tumor cells, the tumor size, cytokine profile in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), numbers of type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s), and macrophage phenotypes in the lung were measured. The overall survival rate was also monitored throughout the experiments.

Results

Vitamin A deficiency diet fed tumor‐bearing mice have lower survival rate (χ2 = 6.862, p < 0.001), larger tumor size (t = 2.651, p < 0.05), more ILC2s (t = 7.680, p < 0.001), and AAMs (t = 6.315, p < 0.001) in the lung tissue; also, type 2 cytokines concentrations in the BALF were higher compared to normal diet fed ones.

Conclusion

Vitamin A deficiency could promote the pathogeneses of lung carcinoma via induction of ILC2s and polarizing AAMs.
Observations on cracking in concrete tunnel segments – An assessment of correlations
Authors: Tellioglu Volkan
Published: February 2019

Faced with the combined challenge of aging sewer infrastructure and rapid population growth, the Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC) has embarked on a bold approach to build an enhanced sewer infrastructure with a deep gravity sewer tunnel at the centre. The primary lining of the new 41 km‐long deep sewer tunnel has been completed by tunnel boring machines (TBM). The concrete segmental lining has an internal diameter varying from 4 to 5.5 m internal diameter and is located at depths of 20 to 80 m below the ground surface. This paper discusses the results of observations made on segment cracking experienced at different stages in the installation of concrete lining for the first of three TBM drives in Contract T‐02 of the Abu Dhabi Strategic Tunnel Enhancement Program (STEP). It also attempts to quantify correlations and ranking among various mechanical and geometrical variables of ring installation based on their contribution to segment cracking. The method of assessment used in the case study has been successfully verified on a separate project, which encouraged the author to develop and propose a generalized procedure for investigation to serve as a roadmap in the future projects with segment cracking issues.
Entwicklung eines Planungsleitfadens für das Anfahren von Querschlägen bei maschinellem Vortrieb
Authors: Walter Andreas , Mihaylov Vladislav , Wagner Hanns
Published: February 2019

The connection between tunnels and cross passages places high demands on support and safety measures, especially for mechanized tunnelling with segmental lining. The critical task is to develop a temporary support system during the opening of the precast segmental lining until the inner lining of the cross passage has developed its full bearing capacity and is acting as a final support measure. For singleshell tunnels with waterproof linings, the serviceability of a durable waterproofing connection has to be ensured. A working group initiated by Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) has been concentrating on the opening of cross passages in TBM tunnels. The result of the research will be summarized in a guideline for the design of cross passage openings in tunnel with segmental lining. The guideline will describe the different systems already used for various scenarios according to the state of the technology. The paper summarizes the current state of the guideline and provides some recommended systems for lining support, waterproofing systems as well as some fundamental structural design models for the different support and coupling elements.
Geochronology, mineralogy, and geochemistry of the Late Triassic Xiuwacu biotite granite in the southern Yidun Terrane, southwest China: Insights into the petrogenesis and magmatic fertility
Authors: Yan Tao‐Tao , Zhang Xiang‐Fei , Wang Da , Yang Zhen
Published: February 2019

The southern Yidun Terrane formed in response to the westward subduction of the Garzê–Litang oceanic lithosphere. The Xiuwacu pluton, consisting of the Late Triassic biotite granite and Late Cretaceous monzogranite porphyry, is located in the northern portion of the southern Yidun Terrane. It hosts the Late Cretaceous quartz‐vein‐type Mo–W deposit genetically related to the intraplate monzogranite porphyry. However, the petrogenesis and magmatic fertility of the biotite granite remain unclear. Sixteen zircons from the biotite granite yield a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 217 ± 1.2 Ma, indicating that the biotite granite emplaced synchronously with the arc‐related andesites and porphyries in the southern Yidun Terrane. Unlike these slab melt‐derived adakitic rocks, the Xiuwacu biotite granites show typical I‐type granite affinities, with relatively high SiO2 contents, low Sr/Y ratios, and high Y contents. These granites display depleted zircon Hf isotopic signatures (ƐHf(t) = 0.6–3.8) but enriched whole‐rock Sr–Nd and zircon O isotopic signatures, suggesting that the mixing between juvenile materials and external enriched melts might have contributed to the generation of biotite granite. Moreover, they show relatively high Al2O3/(FeOT + MgO + TiO2), Th/Yb, and Th/Nb ratios, which are collectively indicative of the input of sediment melts extracted from subducting slab into the melt source of biotite granite. The high MgO, TiO2, F, and Cl contents of biotite and the excess Al of plagioclase suggest that the Xiuwacu biotite granites formed under high oxygen fugacities, magmatic water contents, and volatiles components and they might have Cu prospecting potentials.
False negative rate of fine‐needle aspiration in thyroid nodules: impact of nodule size and ultrasound pattern
Authors: Ahn Hye Shin , Na Dong Gyu , Baek Jung Hwan , Sung Jin Yong , Kim Ji‐Hoon
Published: February 2019

Background

To retrospectively evaluate the false negative rate of ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) according to the nodule size and ultrasound pattern.

Methods

We included 432 consecutive thyroid nodules from 384 patients who underwent ultrasound‐guided FNA with benign results (≥1 cm). The false negative rate in the nodules was assessed according to the nodule size and ultrasound pattern based on the Korean‐Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (K‐TIRADS).

Results

The overall false negative rate was 3.2%. There was a trend toward an increasing false negative rate as the K‐TIRADS score increased (P < .001). In low or high suspicion nodules (K‐TIRADS 3 and 5), there was no significant difference in false negative rate according to the nodule size; however, among the intermediate suspicion nodules (K‐TIRADS 4), the false negative rate was higher in large nodules (≥3 cm, P = .039).

Conclusion

The impact of nodule size on the false negative rate differed according to the ultrasound pattern.
Chronic Kidney Disease Worsens Health Outcomes in Diabetic Patients After Hip Fracture Surgery: An Asian Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Huang Po-Hua , Chen Tien-Hsing , Lin Yu-Sheng , Lin Su-Ju , Kuo Liang-Tseng , Chen Chi-Lung , Yu Pei-An , Hsu Wei-Hsiu
Published: February 2019

There is an increased tendency for hip fractures in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although surgery is the mainstay of treatment for hip fractures, there is scant information on outcomes after hip fracture surgery in diabetic patients at different stages of CKD. In this population-based cohort study, we compared the surgical outcome, readmission, and mortality rates after osteosynthesis of hip fractures in diabetic patients with different stages of renal function. Diabetic patients who received primary osteosynthesis for hip fracture between January 1997 and December 2013 were enrolled. The primary outcomes were surgical outcomes, including infection and revision surgery. The secondary outcomes were all-cause readmission and mortality. This study included 44,065 patients; 11,954 had CKD (diabetic CKD group), 1662 patients were receiving dialysis (diabetic dialysis group), and 30,449 patients had no CKD (diabetic non-CKD group). We found that the diabetic dialysis group had a significantly higher risk of infection and revision surgery compared with diabetic non-CKD patients (HR = 1.52, 95% CI, 1.24 to 1.87; HR = 1.62, 95% CI, 1.33 to 1.97, respectively, both P < 0.001) and diabetic CKD patients (HR = 1.62, 95% CI, 1.32 to 1.99; HR = 1.48, 95% CI, 1.22 to 1.80, respectively, both P < 0.001). Diabetic CKD patients had a comparable risk of surgical complications including infection and revision as diabetic non-CKD patients. For readmission and mortality, the diabetic dialysis group had the highest risk among the three groups at all time-points (3 months after surgery, 1 year, and the last follow-up, all P < 0.001). Compared with the diabetic non-CKD group, the diabetic CKD group had an elevated risk of readmission and mortality at all time-points (all P < 0.001). In conclusion, CKD was associated with worse outcomes after hip fracture fixation surgery. Although at significantly higher risk of readmission and mortality, CKD patients still had a comparable risk of infection and revision to non-CKD patients. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Trichloroethylene solubilization using a series of commercial biodegradable ethoxylated fatty alcohol surfactants
Authors: Garza‐Arévalo Javier I , Intiso Adriano , Proto Antonio , Rossi Federico , Sanchez‐Dominguez Margarita
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Although certain pollutants are prohibited or heavily regulated, particularly in Europe and the USA, contaminated sites still represent a serious threat to the environment and health. The physical and chemical properties of ‘dense non‐aqueous phase liquid’ (DNAPL) pollutants such as trichloroethylene (TCE), including their low solubility, high specific density and tendency to remain adsorbed to organic materials, make their removal from polluted sites extremely difficult.

RESULTS

This study tested the ability of a series of commercial fatty alcohol ethoxylated surfactants of CiEj type (i = number of carbons in the alkyl chain; j = number of ethylene oxide (EO) units), known to be biodegradable and low‐cost, to improve the solubility of TCE in water; this would make its removal from contaminated sites more effective. The solubility of TCE in Synperonic™ 91/5 (C10E5), 91/6 (C10E6), 91/8 (C10E8), 91/10 (C10E10) and 13/8 (C13E8) aqueous solutions was evaluated and the solubilization performances were reported as molar and weight solubilization ratios (MSR and WSR). Solubility was measured above the critical micelle concentration (CMC) up to 0.7 mol L−1 at 5, 20 and 30 °C to assess the feasibility of the approach for TCE removal from sites located in different climatic areas. Increasing EO units contributed to improved TCE solubility (at constant alkyl chain length).

CONCLUSION

The best surfactant was Synperonic™ 91/10 with an MSR of 3.54 at 19 °C. The results show that an optimal combination of EO units and alkyl chain length, and not only the hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB) value, is key for the design of effective TCE remediation systems from groundwater. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Multifocal hepatic steatosis mimicking malignancy in two siblings
Authors: Freebody John , Comin Giulio , Segelov Eva , Tarlinton Lisa
Published: February 2019

Multifocal hepatic steatosis (MHS) is a rare subtype of hepatic steatosis which can pose a diagnostic challenge due to difficulty in distinguishing it from malignant disease. Steatotic nodules in MHS can vary in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters and may mimic hepatocellular carcinoma or metastases by both ultrasound and computed tomography assessment. Accurate detection of this abnormality is important and may prevent unnecessary investigation and biopsy, as well as anxiety for the patient. Here we present two cases of MHS occurring in adult siblings. The characteristic radiographic appearances of MHS will be described as well as tips provided for accurate detection. Given the rarity of this entity, the occurrence in two otherwise well adult siblings also raises the possibility of an inherited pathogenesis.
Clinical translation of theranostic radiopharmaceuticals: Current regulatory status and recent examples
Authors: Kolenc Peitl Petra , Rangger Christine , Garnuszek Piotr , Mikolajczak Renata , Hubalewska‐Dydejczyk Alicja , Maina Theodosia , Erba Paola , Decristoforo Clemens
Published: February 2019

With the development of ever more radiopharmaceuticals suitable for theranostic applications, translation of novel compounds from the preclinical stage towards clinical application becomes a bottleneck for the advances in Nuclear Medicine. This review article summarizes the current regulatory framework for clinical trials with radiopharmaceuticals in the European Union, provides a general overview of the documentation required, and addresses quality, safety, and clinical aspects to be considered. By using a recent successful example of translating a theranostic peptide radioligand, namely 111In‐CP04, which targets receptors expressed in medullary thyroid carcinoma, the pathway from the preclinical development over establishing the required pharmaceutical documentation to designing and submitting a clinical trial is reviewed. Details regarding preclinical data, generation of the documentation, and final successful application are described. This article should provide an insight in an ever more complex process to bring innovations in the field of radiopharmaceuticals into patients.
Thirty‐day readmissions in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: A good metric for hospital quality?
Authors: Ng Isaac , Du Rose
Published: February 2019

Thirty‐day readmission rates has been increasingly used by clinicians, hospital administrators, and policy makers as a metric for the quality of care. However, the 30‐day readmission rates may be affected by other factors intrinsic to the patient and may not be a good measure of the quality of care provided by the hospital. In this review, we examined the quality of the 30‐day readmissions rate as a quality metric for the quality of care provided to patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). It has been shown that in this patient population, 30‐day readmission rate primarily captures values, such as the number of comorbidities, disease severity, and discharge dispositions. There is little association between SAH 30‐day readmission rates and mortality. However, 30‐day readmissions may be reduced by increasing early discharge surveillance, providing readmission reduction programs to patients discharged to medical facilities as well as to home, and identifying patients most at risk for readmission.
Influence of Methods Used to Establish Sarcopenia Cutoff Values for Skeletal Muscle Measures Using Unenhanced and Contrast‐Enhanced Computed Tomography Images
Authors: Feng Zhichao , Rong Pengfei , Luo Muqing , Sun Xianxi , Wang Wei
Published: February 2019

Background

Multiple cutoff values of computed tomography (CT)‐based skeletal muscle measures have been proposed, but there is currently no consensus used to identify sarcopenia. We aimed to evaluate the influence of statistical methods used to establish sarcopenia cutoff values and to examine the impact of contrast enhancement on the skeletal muscle measures.

Methods

The skeletal muscle area (SMA) and muscle radiation attenuation (MRA) of 316 healthy individuals were measured on unenhanced CT images at the third lumbar vertebra level, and the skeletal muscle index (SMI) was SMA divided by height squared. Possible cutoff values were established using 2 methods: 5th percentile of individuals aged 20‐60 years or mean − 2 × SD of individuals aged 20‐50 years. The concordance was assessed using Cohen's κ coefficients and McNemar test. The skeletal muscle parameters on 3 phases from 30 CT examinations were compared.

Results

The concordance between the 2 methods was almost perfect (κ coefficients: 0.830‐0.849) for low MRA but slight to moderate (κ coefficients: 0.189‐0.591) for low SMI, especially in the men (P < 0.01). Compared with the unenhanced images, the mean SMA, SMI, and MRA on the contrast‐enhanced images increased by 0.8%‐1.7%, 0.8%‐1.8%, and 14.8%‐21.6% (all P < 0.001), respectively, and only the changes in MRA were clinically significant.

Conclusions

The methods for establishing cutoff values and contrast enhancement influence the identification of low SMI and low MRA, respectively. Thus, the definition of sarcopenia should include the standardized method for establishing cutoff values and the phase of CT for analysis.
Evaluating the relationship between ductal carcinoma in situ, calcifications, and margin status in patients undergoing breast conserving surgery
Authors: Bruenderman Elizabeth H. , Bhutiani Neal , Mercer Megan K. , McMasters Kelly M. , Sanders Mary Ann G. , Ajkay Nico lás
Published: February 2019

Background

Microcalcifications associated with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS‐AMC) close to lumpectomy margins could be used as a surrogate for margin involvement and aid in decreasing margin re‐excision. We sought to evaluate the histologic factors of DCIS‐AMC near lumpectomy margins.

Methods

Women with DCIS treated with breast‐conserving surgery (BCS) who had DCIS‐AMC on surgical specimens were identified. Pathology slides were reviewed to determine the distance of DCIS‐AMC from each margin (six per specimen) and the distance of DCIS from each margin (ie, margin status).

Results

Of 35 patients (210 margins), 24 had close/positive margins (39 margins [18%]). DCIS‐AMC≤10 mm from a margin was associated with a greater incidence of DCIS≤2 mm from the margin (31.7% DCIS‐AMC≤10 mm vs 13.3% no DCIS‐AMC≤10 mm, P = 0.003). On multivariable analysis, DCIS≤2 mm from the margin was independently associated with DCIS‐AMC≤10 mm from the margin (odds ratio 2.95, 95% confidence interval 1.48‐5.86, P = 0.002).

Conclusions

DCIS‐AMC≤10 mm from the inked margin is associated with DCIS at or close to the margin (≤2 mm). Using this knowledge, intraoperative techniques like specimen radiography could be utilized to detect microcalcifications≤10 mm from a margin and guide selective margin re‐excision in BCS.
Radio‐guided vs clip‐guided localization of nonpalpable mass‐like lesions of the breast from a screened population: A propensity score‐matched study
Authors: Corsi Fabio , Bossi Daniela , Combi Francesca , Papadopoulou Ourania , Amadori Rosella , Regolo Lea , Trifirò Giuseppe , Albasini Sara , Mazzucchelli Serena , Sorrentino Luca
Published: February 2019

Background and Objectives

An accurate localization is mandatory to tailor breast lumpectomy in nonpalpable cancers. The aim of this study was to compare radio‐guided localization (ROLL) vs ultrasound localization of a titanium clip with collagen (TCC) in nonpalpable mass‐like breast cancers.

Methods

Two hundred seventy‐three consecutive patients were reviewed: 64 patients were localized by TCC and 209 patients by ROLL. Propensity score‐matched analysis was performed. Margin status and reintervention rates were compared. Adequacy of resection was expressed as the calculated resection ratio (CRR) considering lesion size. Loco‐regional and distant recurrence rates were assessed with ROLL vs TCC.

Results

No differences were found with ROLL vs TCC in clear margins (90.6% vs 89.1%; odds ratio, 0.74; P = 0.64) or reoperations (6.7% vs 1.6%; P = 0.529). ROLL allowed more tailored resections compared with TCC (adjusted CRR, 1.7 vs 2.7; P = 0.0008), particularly in lesions with associated extensive intraductal component (CRR, 3.0 vs 4.5; P = 0.017). Loco‐regional recurrence occurred in 1.9% of ROLL patients vs 3.2% of TCC cases (P = 0.628).

Conclusions

ROLL and TCC are equally effective to excise nonpalpable mass‐like breast cancers with clear margins, providing similar loco‐regional control. However, ROLL allows more tailored breast resections, particularly in lesions with the associated extensive intraductal component.
Ratio‐based staging systems are better than the 7th and 8th editions of the TNM in stratifying the prognosis of gastric cancer patients: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Agnes Annamaria , Biondi Alberto , Cananzi Ferdinando M , Rausei Stefano , Reddavid Rossella , Laterza Vito , Galli Federica , Quagliuolo Vittorio , Degiuli Maurizio , D'Ugo Domenico , Persiani Roberto
Published: February 2019

Background

The current and the previous editions of the tumor‐node‐metastasis (TNM) system for gastric cancer (GC; TNM8 and TNM7) have a high risk of stage‐migration bias when the node count after gastrectomy is suboptimal. Hence, they are possibly not the optimal staging systems for GC patients. This study aims to compare the TNM with two systems less affected by the stage‐migration bias, namely, the lymph nodes ratio (LNR) and the log odds of positive lymph nodes (LODDS), to assess which one is the best in stratifying the prognosis of GC patients.

Methods

The sample study included 1221 GC patients. Two 7‐cluster staging systems based on the combination of pT categories and LNR and LODDS categories (TLNR and TLODDS) were compared with the two last editions of TNM, using the Akaike information criteria, the Bayesian information criteria, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve graphs. Further validation on an independent sample of 251 patients was carried out.

Results

The univariable and multivariable analyses and the ROC curves detected an advantage of the TLNR and TLODDS systems over the TNM. The TLNR and TLODDS showed the best accuracy both in the subgroup of patients with ≥16 nodes examined. The results were confirmed in the validation analysis.

Conclusions

TLNR and TLODDS staging systems should be considered a valid implementation of the TNM for the prognostic stratification of GC patients. If these results are confirmed in further studies, the future implementation of the TNM should consider the introduction of the LNR or the LODDS along with the number of metastatic nodes.
A method based on precolumn derivatization and ultra high performance liquid chromatography with high‐resolution mass spectrometry for the simultaneous determination of phthalimide and phthalic acid in tea
Authors: Gao Guanwei , Chen Hongping , Chai Yunfeng , Jin Lili , Liu Xin , Lu Chengyin
Published: February 2019

Phthalimide can be formed from either the degradation of folpet and phosmet, or reaction of phthalic anhydride with primary amino groups. Consequently, the sum of phthalimide and folpet, expressed as folpet‐residue definition, is highly prone to false‐positive levels of folpet in tea. An analytical method is thus urgently needed to investigate the residue level and source of phthalimide in tea. In this work, we developed an accurate method of determining phthalimide and phthalic acid (the indicator of phthalic anhydride) by acetonitrile extraction and 3‐bromopropyltrimethylammonium bromide derivatization coupled with ultra high performance liquid chromatography and high‐resolution mass spectrometry. The method was validated, and linearity (correlation coefficients > 0.99) was obtained. Satisfactory recoveries at 10, 20, 50, and 100 μg/kg ranged from 76 to 117%, and the intra‐ and interday accuracies were <23%. The limit of quantification for phthalimide and phthalic acid was 10 μg/kg. The developed method was further successfully used to determine phthalimide and phthalic acid in some tea samples. The positive rate of phthalimide and phthalic acid detected in the tea samples ranged from 30–75 and 50–90%, respectively.
Effects of tree dieback on lake water acidity in the unmanaged catchment of Plešné Lake, Czech Republic
Authors: Kopáček Jiří , Kaňa Jiří , Porcal Petr , Vrba Jaroslav , Norton Stephen A.
Published: February 2019

Terrestrial exports of protons (H+), nitrate (NO3−), dissolved organic carbon including organic acid anions (A−), phosphorus (P), base cations, and ionic aluminum (Ali) underwent pronounced changes after bark beetle‐induced tree dieback (2004–2008) in a nitrogen‐saturated, chronically acidified but recovering catchment, Plešné Lake, Czech Republic. After a short decline in lake water pH immediately after tree dieback, the ecosystem recovery from acidification accelerated and the carbonate buffering system was restored by 2011, after ∼ 6 decades of depletion by acid rain. Major reasons for this rapid transition were changes in intensity of in‐lake biogeochemical (H+ producing/removing) processes caused by changing concentrations and proportions of solutes exported from soil to surface water. In‐lake denitrification, elevated NO3− assimilation (due to elevated P input), and photochemical/microbial oxidation of A− were the most important H+ removing processes, while Ali hydrolysis was the most important H+ source. Phytoplankton biomass increased with elevated P inputs and increasing P availability, which resulted from reduced in‐lake formation of Al hydroxide (and thus less adsorption of P) and more intensive P recycling by zooplankton. The rapidly changing lake water chemistry and elevated P availability after tree dieback in the catchment thus have enabled further biological recovery of Plešné Lake.
Conductive Recyclable Organogel Composites
Authors: Rahimi AliReza , Herzog‐Arbeitman Abraham , García Jeannette M.
Published: February 2019

As the use of automation in industry accelerates, the development of flexible, electrically conducting materials with the requisite environmental resilience for impact‐resistant sensors, foldable electronics, and electrostatic shielding are needed; simultaneously, recyclability for these materials remains a crucial attribute. Traditional conductive stretchable materials, such as rubbers, are not recyclable, and hydrogel materials have limited applications due to water evaporation and operating temperature range. Comparatively, organogels can be formulated with enhanced tunability, matrix recyclability, and the ability to support many conductive fillers. Here, rheology, mechanical testing, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) characterize the nanoscale interactions between carbon fillers, the liquid phase, and the network matrix in hemiaminal dynamic covalent network (HDCN) organogels. HDCN chemical equilibria are shown to strongly influence macroscopic gel properties, while HDCN composites exhibit very high conductivities up to 9.95 mS cm−1 appropriate for sensing applications, demonstrating promise as recyclable alternatives for conductive stretchable materials.
Eugenol‐Derived Bismaleimide High Performance Resins and Composites Using Diisocyanate as Property Modifier
Authors: Ning Yi , Li Dian‐sen , Wang Ming‐cun , Jiang Lei
Published: February 2019

A new kind of high performance bismaleimide resin with good processability and improved toughness is synthesized by chemical modification of 4,4′‐bismaleimidodiphenylmethane (BMI) by eugenol (EG) and different contents of 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI). MDI‐EG‐BMI resins exhibit good thermal stability for its 5% weight loss temperatures around 300 °C and its residue of 41.61% at 900 °C, which are much higher than those of EG‐BMI resin. Then, the carbon fiber‐reinforced MDI‐EG‐BMI composites are fabricated. The mechanical properties of the composites matrixed by MDI‐EG‐BMI resins are better than those by EG‐BMI resin. For carbon/MDI‐EG‐BMI composites, their glass transition temperatures are higher than 300 °C, and their flexural strength, moduli, and toughness are maintained at a range of 217.47–404.36 MPa, 35.12–48.49 GPa, and 1.16–2.63 MJ m−3 respectively; with the contents increasing of MDI in the resin formulation, the flexural properties first increase then decrease; comprehensively the composite with 30 wt% MDI has the best mechanical and thermal properties.
Imaging metabotropic glutamate receptor system: Application of positron emission tomography technology in drug development
Authors: Xu Youwen , Li Zizhong
Published: February 2019

The diversity seen in the mode of pharmacology and the numerous glutamate receptor subtypes have previously complicated drug development efforts. Nonetheless, recent clinical trials of drug candidates that accommodate the glutamatergic intricate pharmacology have yielded encouraging results. Target engagement is an important requirement for the advancement of central nervous system drug candidates into clinical trial. Positron emission tomography (PET) tracer technology has the unique ability to give the direct insight into the relationship between the level of receptor occupancy and the administered dose, thus establishing a direct link between the level of target exposure and the drug efficacy in human. This review is focused on the advancement of mGlu5, mGlu
1, and mGlu
2 receptor‐related PET tracer technology: PET tracer development strategies, PET tracer selection in receptor occupancy studies, the scopes and limitations to use PET to measure receptor occupancy for the drug candidates with different pharmacology, and how to use the measurements of receptor occupancy as a translational biomarker for decision‐making in an innovative drug development program.
Massachusetts report a ‘call to action’ for transformation of BH system
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: February 2019

Despite ongoing success at maintaining near‐universal health care coverage since the passage of Massachusetts' health care reform law in 2006, adults and their families, especially vulnerable populations, are having difficulty accessing behavioral health services, a new report by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBS) Foundation finds. Cited as a call to action for policymakers and stakeholders, the report calls for reforming the state's fragmented, difficult‐to‐navigate behavioral health care system.
Development of a simple numerical model for trabecular bone structures
Authors: Peña‐Solórzano Carlos A. , Albrecht David W. , Paganin David M. , Harris Peter C. , Hall Chris J. , Bassed Richard B. , Dimmock Matthew R.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Advances in additive manufacturing processes are enabling the fabrication of surrogate bone structures for applications including use in high‐resolution anthropomorphic phantoms. In this research, a simple numerical model is proposed that enables the generation of microarchitecture with similar statistical distribution to trabecular bone.

Methods

A human humerus, radius, ulna, and several vertebrae were scanned on the Imaging and Medical beamline at the Australian Synchrotron and the proposed numerical model was developed through the definition of two complex functions that encode the trabecular thickness and position‐dependant spacing to generate volumetric surrogate trabecular structures. The structures reproduced those observed at 19 separate axial locations through the experimental bone volumes. The applicability of the model when incorporating a two‐material approximation to absorption‐ and phase‐contrast CT was also investigated through simulation.

Results

The synthetic structures, when compared with the real trabecular microarchitecture, yielded an average mean thickness error of 2 μm, and a mean difference in standard deviation of 33 μm for the humerus, 24 μm for the ulna and radius, and 15 μm for the vertebrae. Simulated absorption‐ and propagation‐based phase contrast CT projection data were generated and reconstructed using the derived mathematical simplifications from the two‐material approximation, and the phase‐contrast effects were successfully demonstrated.

Conclusions

The presented model reproduced trabecular distributions that could be used to generate phantoms for quality assurance and validation processes. The implication of utilizing a two‐material approximation results in simplification of the additive manufacturing process and the generation of synthetic data that could be used for training of machine learning applications.
Validation of post‐treatment PET‐based dosimetry software for hepatic radioembolization of Yttrium‐90 microspheres
Authors: Maughan Nichole M. , Garcia‐Ramirez Jose , Arpidone Matt , Swallen Amy , Laforest Richard , Goddu S. Murty , Parikh Parag J. , Zoberi Jacqueline E.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

Yttrium‐90 (90Y) microsphere radioembolization enables selective internal radiotherapy for hepatic malignancies. Currently, there is no standard postdelivery imaging and dosimetry of the microsphere distribution to verify treatment. Recent studies have reported utilizing the small positron yield of 90Y (32 ppm) with positron emission tomography (PET) to perform treatment verification and dosimetry analysis. In this study, we validated a commercial dosimetry software, MIM SurePlan™ LiverY90 (MIM Software Inc., Cleveland, OH), for clinical use.

Methods

A MATLAB‐based algorithm for 90Y PET‐based dosimetry was developed in‐house and validated for the purpose of commissioning the commercial software. The algorithm is based on voxel S values and dosimetry formalism reported in MIRD Pamphlet 17. We validated the in‐house algorithm to establish it as the ground truth by comparing results from a digital point phantom and a digital uniform cylinder to manual calculations. Once we validated our in‐house MATLAB‐based algorithm, we used it to perform acceptance testing and commissioning of the commercial dosimetry software, MIM SurePlan, which uses the same dosimetry formalism. A 0.4 cm/5% gamma test was performed on PET‐derived dose maps from each algorithm of uniform digital and nonuniform physical phantoms filled with 90Y chloride solution. Average dose (Davg) and minimum dose to 70% (D70) of a given volume of interest (VOI) were compared for the digital phantom, the physical phantom, and five patient cases (27 tumor VOIs), representing different clinical scenarios.

Results

The gamma‐pass rates were 97.26% and 97.66% for the digital and physical phantoms, respectively. The differences between Davg and D70 were 0.076% and 0.10% for the digital phantom, respectively, and <5.2% for various VOIs in the physical phantom. In the clinical cases, 96.3% of the VOIs had a difference <5% for Davg, and 88.9% of the VOIs had a difference <5% for D70.

Conclusions

Dose calculation results from MIM SurePlan were found to be in good agreement with our in‐house algorithm. This indicates that MIM SurePlan performs as it should and, hence, can be deemed accepted and commissioned for clinical use for post‐implant PET‐based dosimetry of 90Y radioembolization.
The clinical role of LASER for vulvar and vaginal treatments in gynecology and female urology: An ICS/ISSVD best practice consensus document
Authors: Preti Mario , Vieira‐Baptista Pedro , Digesu Giuseppe Alessandro , Bretschneider Carol Emi , Damaser Margot , Demirkesen Oktay , Heller Debra S. , Mangir Naside , Marchitelli Claudia , Mourad Sherif , Moyal‐Barracco Micheline , Peremateu Sol , Tailor Visha , Tarcan Tufan , De Elise J.B. , Stockdale Colleen K.
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

The clinical role of LASER for vulvar and vaginal treatments in gynecology and female urology is controversial.

AIMS

In this best practice document, we propose recommendations for the use of LASER for gynecologic and urologic conditions such as vulvovaginal atrophy, urinary incontinence, vulvodynia, and lichen sclerosus based on a thorough literature review.

MATERIALS & METHODS

This project was developed between January and September 2018. The development of this document followed the ICS White Paper Standard Operating Procedures.

RESULTS

Most of the available studies are limited by their design; for example they lack a control group, patients are not randomized, follow up is short term, series are small, LASER is not compared with standard treatments, and studies are industry sponsored. Due to these limitations, the level of evidence for the use of LASER in the treatment of these conditions remains low and does not allow for definitive recommendations for its use in routine clinical practice. Histological evidence is commonly reported as proof of tissue regeneration following LASER treatment. However, the histological changes noted can also be consistent with reparative changes after a thermal injury rather than necessarily representing regeneration or restoration of function. The use of LASER in women with vulvodynia or lichen sclerosus should not be recommended in routine clinical practice. There is no biological plausibility or safety data on its use on this population of women.

DISCUSSION

The available clinical studies do not present convincing data regarding the efficacy of LASER for the treatment of vaginal atrophy or urinary incontinence. Also, while short‐term complications seem to be uncommon, data concerning long‐term outcomes are lacking.

CONCLUSION

At this point, LASER is not recommended for routine treatment of the aforementioned conditions unless part of well‐designed clinical trials or with special arrangements for clinical governance, consent, and audit.
Addressing Frequent Issues of Home Enteral Nutrition Patients
Authors: Johnson Teresa W. , RN Sara Seegmiller , Epp Lisa , Mundi Manpreet S.
Published: February 2019

The home enteral nutrition (HEN) population is a medically diverse group whose number has increased substantially in recent decades. Although medically stable compared with acute care patients requiring nutrition support, HEN population needs are unique and require a team approach to manage nutrition. Frequently encountered issues by the HEN team include mechanical issues of the tube site, gastrointestinal and metabolic problems, and patient preferences regarding tube weaning, formula selection, and compliance. A thorough search of the published literature on how to manage these issues was conducted using scientific healthcare databases with the following inclusion criteria: English only, last 10 years, and reviews and clinical trials. Where appropriate, references from the retrieved articles were hand‐searched for relevant articles older than 10 years and cited in this review. The purpose of this review is to provide the HEN team with strategies to address the top issues of home enteral feeding.
Effect of Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Order‐Writing Privileges on Enteral Nutrition Administration in Selected Intensive Care Units
Authors: Arney Bianca D. , Senter Stacey A. , Schwartz Avital C. , Meily Taylor , Pelekhaty Stacy
Published: February 2019

Background

Adequate nutrition is linked to improved patient outcomes during critical illness. Nutrition care is further enhanced by registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) order‐writing privileges, which improve the implementation of nutrition interventions. The purpose of this performance improvement project was to evaluate the effect of RDN order‐writing privileges on enteral nutrition (EN) order compliance and nutrition delivery in selected intensive care units (ICUs) at a university‐affiliated teaching hospital.

Methods

Patients admitted to selected ICUs from January 23, 2018, to January 25, 2018, were screened for eligibility. Demographic and nutrition data were collected retrospectively from the electronic health record. Percent of energy and protein needs met were calculated. Data were compared with historical internal controls identified prior to RDN order‐writing privileges.

Results

Fifty adult patients (150 EN days) were included in data analysis, with 93 patients (279 EN days) included in historical data. Compared with historical data, cumulative EN order compliance increased by 17% and tube feed infusion rate compliance by 15% post‐RDN order‐writing privileges. Mean (± SD) protein needs delivered significantly increased from 72.1 ± 28.6% to 89.1 ± 24.8% after RDN order‐writing implementation (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

RDN order‐writing privileges improved EN order compliance and significantly improved protein delivery in selected ICUs. Future studies are recommended to confirm these results and determine if other variables besides protein delivery are statistically significant with a larger sample size.
SoftFEM: The Soft Finite Element Method
Authors: Peña Jose M. , LaTorre Antonio , Jérusalem Antoine
Published: February 2019

While the finite element method (FEM) has now reached full maturity both in academy and industry, its use in optimization pipelines remains either computationally intensive or cumbersome. In particular, currently used optimization schemes leveraging FEM still require the choice of dedicated optimization algorithms for a specific design problem, and a “black box” approach to FEM‐based optimization remains elusive. To this end, we propose here an integrated finite element‐soft computing method, ie, the soft FEM (SoftFEM), which integrates a finite element solver within a metaheuristic search wrapper. To illustrate this general method, we focus here on solid mechanics problems. For these problems, SoftFEM is able to optimize geometry changes and mechanistic measures based on geometry constraints and material properties inputs. From the optimization perspective, the use of a fitness function based on finite element calculation imposes a series of challenges. To bypass the limitations in search capabilities of the usual optimization techniques (local search and gradient‐based methods), we propose, instead a hybrid self adaptive search technique, the multiple offspring sampling (MOS), combining two metaheuristics methods: one population‐based differential evolution method and a local search optimizer. The formulation coupling FEM to the optimization wrapper is presented in detail and its flexibility is illustrated with three representative solid mechanics problems. More particularly, we propose here the MOS as the most versatile search algorithm for SoftFEM. A new method for the identification of nonfully determined parameters is also proposed.
Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Attenuates Hedonic Feeding Without Impacting Alcohol Drinking in Rats
Authors: Sirohi Sunil , Skripnikova Elena , Davis Jon F.
Published: February 2019

Objective

Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass surgery and vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) are the most commonly performed bariatric procedures. Whereas studies report new‐onset alcohol misuse following Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass, the impact of VSG on alcohol intake is less clear. Hedonic feeding, alcohol drinking, and hypothalamic obesity‐related gene expression following VSG were evaluated.

Methods

Male Long‐Evans rats underwent VSG or sham surgery. To evaluate hedonic feeding, rats received a high‐fat diet following behavioral satiation on chow. Alcohol (5%‐10% v/v) drinking was assessed in a two‐bottle choice paradigm. Finally, polymerase chain reaction array evaluated gene expression.

Results

VSG induced moderate but significant weight loss. Sham rats significantly escalated high‐fat diet intake following behavioral satiation, an effect significantly reduced in VSG rats. A moderate decrease in alcohol intake was observed in VSG rats at low (5%) alcohol concentration. However, overall, no significant between‐group differences were evident. Key hypothalamic orexigenic transcripts linked to stimulation of food and alcohol intake were significantly decreased in VSG rats.

Conclusions

VSG attenuated hedonic feeding without impacting alcohol drinking, an effect potentially mediated by alterations in genetic information flow within the hypothalamus. Importantly, these data highlight VSG as an effective bariatric procedure with a potentially reduced risk of developing alcohol use disorder.
Synthesis of a caged bicyclic phosphates derived anhydride and its performance as a flame‐retardant curing agent for epoxy resins
Authors: Ma Tongtong , Li Liping , Liu Tao , Guo Chuigen
Published: February 2019

A novel curing and flame‐retardant agent (PEPA‐TMAC) was successfully synthesized. The chemical structure was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Use of PEPA‐TMAC as part of the curing agent in combination with another anhydride for a commercial epoxy resin (EP) was studied. Results of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicated that PEPA‐TMAC was an effective curing agent for EP. The dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results showed that the glass transition temperature (Tg) and cross‐linking density (Ve) of EP composites exhibited an increase trend with the addition of PEPA‐TMAC. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of EP composites reached 26.9%, and the cone calorimeter results indicated that peak heat release rate (PHRR), total heat release (THR), smoke produce rate (SPR), and total smoke produce (TSP) remarkably decreased with increasing PEPA‐TMAC content. TGA data showed that the addition of PEPA‐TMAC greatly increased the amount of residual char during combustion. The morphology of the residual char was studied by SEM and showed that the addition of PEPA‐TMAC greatly increased the stability of EP composites. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), and FTIR results revealed the flame‐retardant mechanism that PEPA‐TMAC can promote the formation of charred layers with the phospho‐carbonaceous complexes in the condensed phase during burning of EP composites.
Epoxy‐based composite adhesives: Effect of hybrid fillers on thermal conductivity, rheology, and lap shear strength
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Mishra Arjyama , Sahoo Swarnalata , Panda Bishnu P. , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay K.
Published: February 2019

Thermal management is an important parameter in an electronic packaging application. In this work, three different types of fillers such as natural graphite powder (Gr) of 50‐μm particle size, boron nitride powder (h‐BN) of 1‐μm size, and silver flakes (Ag) of 10‐μm particle size were used for thermal conductivity enhancement of neat epoxy resin. The thermal properties, rheology, and lap shear strength of the neat epoxy and its composite were investigated. The analysis showed that the loading of different wt% of Gr‐based fillers can effectively increase the thermal conductivity of the epoxy resin. It has also been observed that the thermal conductivity of the hybrid filler (Gr/h‐BN/Ag) reinforced epoxy adhesive composite increased six times greater than that of neat epoxy resin composite. Further, the viscosity of hybrid filler reinforced epoxy resin was found to be increased as compared with its virgin counterpart. The adhesive composite with optimized filler content was then subsequently subjected to determine single lap shear strength. The degree of filler dispersion and alignment in the matrix were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis.