bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surrogate Endpoints and Causal Methods
Authors: Abad Ariel A.
Published: October 2017

The increasing cost of drug development has raised the demand for the use of surrogate endpoints in the evaluation of new drugs in clinical trials. However, over the years it has become clear that surrogate endpoints need to be statistically evaluated and deemed valid, before they can be used as substitutes of “true” endpoints in clinical studies. Nowadays, two paradigms, based on causal inference and meta‐analysis, dominate the scene. In this article, we describe the general theoretical framework and some of the methodologies introduced in the causal inference paradigm.
Using weighted power mean for equivalent square estimation
Authors: Zhou Sumin , Wu Qiuwen , Li Xiaobo , Ma Rongtao , Zheng Dandan , Wang Shuo , Zhang Mutian , Li Sicong , Lei Yu , Fan Qiyong , Hyun Megan , Diener Tyler , Enke Charles
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Equivalent Square (ES) enables the calculation of many radiation quantities for rectangular treatment fields, based only on measurements from square fields. While it is widely applied in radiotherapy, its accuracy, especially for extremely elongated fields, still leaves room for improvement. In this study, we introduce a novel explicit ES formula based on Weighted Power Mean (WPM) function and compare its performance with the Sterling formula and Vadash/Bjärngard's formula.

Methods

The proposed WPM formula is for a rectangular photon field with sides a and b. The formula performance was evaluated by three methods: standard deviation of model fitting residual error, maximum relative model prediction error, and model's Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). Testing datasets included the ES table from British Journal of Radiology (BJR), photon output factors (Scp) from the Varian TrueBeam Representative Beam Data (Med Phys. 2012;39:6981–7018), and published Scp data for Varian TrueBeam Edge (J Appl Clin Med Phys. 2015;16:125‐148).

Results

For the BJR dataset, the best‐fit parameter value α = −1.25 achieved a 20% reduction in standard deviation in ES estimation residual error compared with the two established formulae. For the two Varian datasets, employing WPM reduced the maximum relative error from 3.5% (Sterling) or 2% (Vadash/Bjärngard) to 0.7% for open field sizes ranging from 3 cm to 40 cm, and the reduction was even more prominent for 1 cm field sizes on Edge (J Appl Clin Med Phys. 2015;16:125–148). The AIC value of the WPM formula was consistently lower than its counterparts from the traditional formulae on photon output factors, most prominent on very elongated small fields.

Conclusion

The WPM formula outperformed the traditional formulae on three testing datasets. With increasing utilization of very elongated, small rectangular fields in modern radiotherapy, improved photon output factor estimation is expected by adopting the WPM formula in treatment planning and secondary MU check.
Hierarchically Nanostructured 1D Conductive Bundle Yarn‐Based Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Ko Won Bae , Choi Da Song , Lee Choong Hyun , Yang Jung Yup , Yoon Gap Soo , Hong Jin Pyo
Published: October 2017

Wearable 2D textile platforms are the subject of intense focus to promote the creation of outstanding added value for textile‐based applications in consumer electronics, energy harvesting, and storage. In particular, 2D textile‐based energy harvesters from the living environment of human motions exhibit insufficient geometry deformation and low current density, thereby providing low power generation. Therefore, a unique starting point in this work is the use of 1D conductive bundle yarn (1D CBY) as a generic step for the development of 1D CBY‐based energy harvesters through a weaving technology. The performance of 1D CBY‐based triboelectric nanogenerators (1D CBY‐TENGs) is addressed through contact electrification between the arrays of nanostructured 1D CBYs and 2D conductive fabric serving as tribomaterials. The manipulation of hierarchically nanostructured surfaces on the 1D CBYs by the hydrothermal process represents one of the crucial approaches of enhancing power generation through a large contact surface area. The 1D CBY‐TENGs with a variation in the number of 1D CBY and stack configurations are also tested as a simple integration scheme, confirming the expected 1D CBY number and stack dependency in the output performance.
Conformal Carbon Nitride Coating as an Efficient Hole Extraction Layer for ZnO Nanowires‐Based Photoelectrochemical Cells
Authors: Hajduk Špela , Berglund Sean P. , Podlogar Matejka , Dražić Goran , Abdi Fatwa F. , Orel Zorica C. , Shalom Menny
Published: October 2017

Charge transfer at the semiconductor–electrolyte junction is one of the main challenges for further improvement of photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting cells due to the poor surface catalytic properties of most semiconductors for the water oxidation reaction. Here it is shown, for the first time, that a conformal and thin carbon nitride (CN) layer can efficiently extract holes from ZnO nanowires (NWs), leading to a great enhancement of both PEC performance and stability in alkaline solution. The conformal CN coating is acquired by using a new synthetic method which involves the deposition of small supramolecular assemblies on ZnO‐NWs as a seeding layer for the CN growth. Detailed PEC characterization reveals that the CN facilitates the hole transfer from the ZnO‐NWs to the electrolyte and acts as a protective shell, resulting in 3.5 times higher current densities and high external quantum efficiencies at 1.23 V versus RHE compared to the pristine ZnO‐NWs.
Prevalence of occupational exposure to asbestos and crystalline silica according to phenotypes of lung cancer from the CaProMat study: A case‐only study
Authors: El Zoghbi Mohamad , Salameh Pascale , Stücker Isabelle , Paris Christophe , Pairon Jean C. , Gislard Antoine , Siemiatycki Jack , Bonneterre Vincent , Clin Bénédicte , Brochard Patrick , Delva Fleur , Lacourt Aude
Published: October 2017

Background

The objective of the study was to compare the prevalence of occupational exposure to asbestos and crystalline silica according to histological types of lung cancer and age at diagnosis.

Methods

CaProMat study is a pooled case‐only study conducted between 1996 and 2011. The current study consisted of 6521 lung cancer cases. Occupational exposure to asbestos and crystalline silica was assessed by two Job‐Exposure Matrices. A weighted prevalence of exposure was derived and compared according to histological types and age at diagnosis.

Results

There was no difference of weighted prevalence of exposure to asbestos and crystalline silica according to histological types of lung cancer. There was a statistically significant difference of weighted prevalence of exposure to asbestos and crystalline silica according to age at diagnosis.

Conclusions

Due to the limited clinical importance of the difference, neither the histological type, nor the age at diagnosis can be used as an indicator for the occupational exposure to asbestos or crystalline silica.
Genetic counseling in CHARGE syndrome: Diagnostic evaluation through follow up
Authors: Hefner Margaret A. , Fassi Emily
Published: October 2017

CHARGE syndrome (CS) is a complex genetic disorder causing multiple birth defects and sensory deficits (hearing, vision, balance, smell). Genetic counseling in CS must include not only the provision of factual information about CS, its cause, and inheritance, but also information about the developmental implications of CS features, referral to appropriate resources, and assistance with psychosocial adaptation to this information. CS should be considered in patients with any of the major diagnostic features: coloboma, choanal atresia, semicircular canal anomalies, or cranial nerve anomalies. The prime candidates in the differential are 22q11.2 deletion and Kabuki syndromes. Evaluation of features of CS, dysmorphology examination, and genetic testing can usually distinguish between the three conditions. Genetic counseling is important from early on, to help the family understand the process of genetic diagnosis, to interpret information coming from other specialists and to provide support and resources. Parents can easily be overwhelmed with the complexity of issues facing their child at diagnosis and in the future. CS is a substantial burden on a child, with high early mortality, multiple illnesses, hospitalizations and surgeries, and apparent medical fragility throughout life. The medical complexity of CS disrupts family life and contributes to delayed development. Multiple sensory deficits (impaired vision, hearing, and balance) further contribute to delayed motor and language development despite many individuals with CS having normal intelligence. Early referral to specialists in deafblindness and sensory deficits is essential. Resources are available to assist genetic counselors in diagnosis, follow‐up, and management of patients with CS.
Initial Steps of Amyloidogenic Peptide Assembly Revealed by Cold‐Ion Spectroscopy
Authors: Ujma Jakub , Kopysov Vladimir , Nagornova Natalia S. , Migas Lukasz G. , Lizio Maria Giovanna , Blanch Ewan W. , MacPhee Cait , Boyarkin Oleg V. , Barran Perdita E.
Published: October 2017

The early stages of fibril formation are difficult to capture in solution. We use cold‐ion spectroscopy to examine an 11‐residue peptide derived from the protein transthyretin and clusters of this fibre‐forming peptide containing up to five units in the gas phase. For each oligomer, the UV spectra exhibit distinct changes in the electronic environment of aromatic residues in this peptide compared to that of the monomer and in the bulk solution. The UV spectra of the tetra‐ and pentamer are superimposable but differ significantly from the spectra of the monomer and trimer. Such a spectral evolution suggests that a common structural motif is formed as early as the tetramer. The presence of this stable motif is further supported by the low conformational heterogeneity of the tetra‐ and pentamer, revealed from their IR spectra. From comparison of the IR‐spectra in the gas and condensed phases, we propose putative assignments for the dominant motif in the oligomers.
Synthesis and comparison of crosslinked peptide nanoparticles based on diphenylalanine derivatives
Authors: Bozdoğan Betül , Akbal Öznur , Vural Tayfun , Denkbaş Emir Baki
Published: October 2017

Self‐assembly is a mechanism that creates novel nanomaterials with amplified properties but with stability challenges. In this report, highly stable and biocompatible anionic zwitterionic diphenylalanine nanoparticles (ZFFNPs), which are novel for the literature, are demonstrated. ZFF was crosslinked with glutaraldehyde (GA) and self‐assembled into nanoparticles in a self‐assembly mechanism like that for diphenylalaninamide nanoparticles (FFANPs). Also, ZFFNPs were compared with FFANPs in aspects of morphology, surface charge, stability, and cytotoxicity. ZFFNPs demonstrate a spherical morphology and homogenicity like FFANPs, but while ZFFNPs have negative surface groups (carboxyl), FFANPs contain polar surface groups (amide). While ZFFNPs exhibit a high stability in extremely acidic environments (pH 3–5), AFFNPs show stability in a wide pH range (pH 4–10). Both NPs are nontoxic and biocompatible. These novel anionic ZFFNPs have great promise for potential utilization in biomedical applications. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45930.
Brief Report: A Phase IIb Trial of a Novel Extended‐Release Microsphere Formulation of Triamcinolone Acetonide for Intraarticular Injection in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Conaghan Philip G. , Cohen Stanley B. , Berenbaum Francis , Lufkin Joelle , Johnson James R. , Bodick Neil
Published: October 2017

Objective

FX006 is a novel, microsphere‐based, extended‐release formulation of triamcinolone acetonide for intraarticular (IA) injection designed to maintain treatment concentration in the joint and provide prolonged analgesic benefits in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. This study was undertaken to compare the analgesic benefits of 2 FX006 doses with saline placebo injection.

Methods

In this phase IIb study, participants with knee OA (Kellgren/Lawrence grade 2–3) and average daily pain (ADP) intensity ≥5 to ≤9 (on a 0–10 Numerical Rating Scale) were randomized (1:1:1) to receive single IA injections of FX006 32 mg (n = 104) or 16 mg (n = 102) or saline placebo (n = 100). The primary end point was the least squares mean (LSM) change from baseline to week 12 in weekly mean ADP intensity scores for FX006 32 mg versus saline placebo.

Results

The primary end point was not met (LSM change at week 12 −3.1 with FX006 32 mg versus −2.5 with saline placebo; LSM difference [95% confidence interval] −0.58 [−1.22, 0.07]) (P = 0.08). However, improvements in ADP intensity were significantly greater with FX006 32 mg than saline placebo at weeks 1–11 and week 13. Improvements in ADP intensity were significantly greater with FX006 16 mg versus saline placebo at weeks 1–9. A dose‐response effect in duration of maximal analgesic effect was evident (13 weeks with 32 mg versus 9 weeks with 16 mg), with FX006 32 mg providing increased therapeutic benefit relative to FX006 16 mg. All treatments were well tolerated.

Conclusion

Although the primary end point was not met, our findings indicate a prolonged reduction in symptoms with FX006 with an evident dose response and a safety profile similar to saline placebo.
Listening differently: A pedagogy for expanded listening
Authors: Gallagher Michael , Prior Jonathan , Needham Martin , Holmes Rachel
Published: October 2017

Mainstream education promotes a narrow conception of listening, centred on the reception and comprehension of human meanings. As such, it is ill‐equipped to hear how sound propagates affects, generates atmospheres, shapes environments and enacts power. Yet these aspects of sound are vital to how education functions. We therefore argue that there is a need to expand listening in education, and suggest that listening walks could provide a pedagogy for this purpose. Using interview data in which early years practitioners reflect on a listening walk, we show how the method can: (i) produce heightened multisensory experiences of spaces; (ii) generate forms of difficulty and discomfort that produce new learning; and (iii) influence practice, particularly practitioners’ ability to empathise with young children. Listening walks function by disrupting everyday sensory habits, provoking listeners to listen anew to their own listening, in an open‐ended way that is not tied to predetermined learning outcomes. The method therefore has wider pedagogic potential for rethinking education and childhood beyond rationality, representation and meaning.
Esculentin‐1a derived peptides kill Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm on soft contact lenses and retain antibacterial activity upon immobilization to the lens surface
Authors: Casciaro Bruno , Dutta Debarun , Loffredo Maria Rosa , Marcheggiani Stefania , McDermott Alison M , Willcox Mark DP , Mangoni Maria Luisa
Published: October 2017

Contact lens (CL) wear is a risk factor for development of microbial keratitis, a vision threatening infection of the eye. Adverse events associated with colonization of lenses, especially by the multi‐drug resistant and biofilm forming bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa remain a major safety issue. Therefore, novel strategies and compounds to reduce the onset of CL‐associated ocular infections are needed. Recently, the activity of the frog skin‐derived antimicrobial peptide Esc(1‐21) and its diastereomer Esc(1‐21)‐1c was evaluated against both planktonic and sessile forms of this pathogen. Furthermore, Esc(1‐21) was found to significantly reduce the severity of P. aeruginosa keratitis in a mouse model and preserve antipseudomonal activity in the presence of human basal tears. Here, we have analyzed the activity of the peptides on P. aeruginosa biofilm formed on soft CLs. Microbiological assays and scanning electron microscopy analysis indicated that the peptides were able to disrupt the bacterial biofilm, with the diastereomer having the greater efficacy (up to 85% killing vs no killing at 4 μM for some strains). Furthermore, upon covalent immobilization to the CL, the two peptides were found to cause more than four log reduction in the number of bacterial cells within 20 minutes and to reduce bacterial adhesion to the CL surface (77%–97% reduction) in 24 hours. Importantly, peptide immobilization was not toxic to mammalian cells and did not affect the lens characteristics. Overall, our data suggest that both peptides have great potential to be developed as novel pharmaceuticals for prevention and treatment of CL‐associated P. aeruginosa keratitis.
Meta-analysis of outcomes following resection of the primary tumour in patients presenting with metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Nitsche U , Stöß C , Stecher L , Wilhelm D , Friess H , Ceyhan G O
Published: October 2017

Background

It is not clear whether resection of the primary tumour (when there are metastases) alters survival and/or whether resection is associated with increased morbidity. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the prognostic value of primary tumour resection in patients presenting with metastatic colorectal cancer.

Methods

A systematic review of MEDLINE/PubMed was performed on 12 March 2016, with no language or date restrictions, for studies comparing primary tumour resection versus conservative treatment without primary tumour resection for metastatic colorectal cancer. The quality of the studies was assessed using the MINORS and STROBE criteria. Differences in survival, morbidity and mortality between groups were estimated using random-effects meta-analysis.

Results

Of 37 412 initially screened articles, 56 retrospective studies with 148 151 patients met the inclusion criteria. Primary tumour resection led to an improvement in overall survival of 7·76 (95 per cent c.i. 5·96 to 9·56) months (risk ratio (RR) for overall survival 0·50, 95 per cent c.i. 0·47 to 0·53), but did not significantly reduce the risk of obstruction (RR 0·50, 95 per cent c.i. 0·16 to 1·53) or bleeding (RR 1·19, 0·48 to 2·97). Neither was the morbidity risk altered (RR 1·14, 0·77 to 1·68). Heterogeneity between the studies was high, with a calculated I2 of more than 50 per cent for most outcomes.

Conclusion

Primary tumour resection may provide a modest survival advantage in patients presenting with metastatic colorectal cancer.
Ethanol addition on inactivation of Saccharomyces pastorianus by a two‐stage system with low‐pressure carbon dioxide microbubbles can accelerate the cell membrane injury
Authors: Kobayashi Fumiyuki , Odake Sachiko
Published: October 2017

The effect of ethanol on the inactivation of Saccharomyces pastorianus by a two‐stage system with low‐pressure carbon dioxide microbubbles (two‐stage MBCO2) was investigated. Zero and >5 log reductions of S. pastorianus populations suspended in physiological saline (PS) containing 0% and 10% ethanol, respectively, occurred by the two‐stage MBCO2 at a mixing vessel pressure of 1 MPa and a heating coil temperature of 40°C. Conversely, the detected number of surviving S. pastorianus cells in PS containing 5% ethanol was higher in yeast and mold agar (YMA, an optimum agar) than YMA with 2.5% sodium chloride, followed by yeast nitrogen base agar (YNBA, a minimum agar). The fluorescence polarization of S. pastorianus in PS containing 5% and 10% ethanol increased similarly with exposure time in the heating coil of two‐stage MBCO2 and was correlated with the surviving cell number measured in YNBA. The intracellular pH (pHin) of S. pastorianus in PS containing 5% ethanol decreased linearly with exposure time in the heating coil of two‐stage MBCO2. Also, the pHin‐lowering of S. pastorianus in PS containing 10% ethanol was drastically caused by two‐stage MBCO2 at 1 min exposure time in the heating coil but then stayed constant until 5 min, agreeing with the inactivation efficiency. Therefore, ethanol in S. pastorianus suspension was suggested to accelerate the cell membrane injury caused by two‐stage MBCO2. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 34:282–286, 2018
Stellarex drug‐coated balloon for treatment of femoropopliteal arterial disease—The ILLUMENATE Global Study: 12‐Month results from a prospective, multicenter, single‐arm study
Authors: Schroë Herman , Holden Andrew H. , Goueffic Yann , Jansen Shirley J. , Peeters Patrick , Keirse Koen , Ito Wulf , Vermassen Frank , Micari Antonio , Blessing Erwin , Jaff Michael R. , Zeller Thomas
Published: October 2017

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and performance of Stellarex Drug‐coated balloon (DCB).

Background

DCB coatings differ in excipients, paclitaxel dose, and coating morphologies. Due to these differences, a class effect with DCBs has not been demonstrated. Consequently, each DCB needs to be evaluated independently based on its own clinical study results.

Methods

The ILLUMENATE Global Study is a prospective, multicenter, single‐arm study. Patients with intermittent claudication or ischemic rest pain due to superficial femoral artery (SFA) and/or popliteal peripheral artery disease (PAD) were treated with the Stellarex DCB. The primary efficacy endpoint was primary patency, defined as freedom from restenosis with peak systolic velocity ratio ≤2.5 or clinically‐driven target lesion revascularization (CD‐TLR) at 12 months. The primary safety endpoint was freedom from device and procedure‐related death through 30 days postprocedure and freedom from target limb major amputation and CD‐TLR through 12 months.

Results

In total, 417 lesions were treated in 371 patients. The mean lesion length was 7.5 ± 5.3 cm, 40.8% of lesions were severely calcified per core laboratory fluoroscopy criteria and 31.3% were total occlusions. Primary patency by independent duplex core lab evaluation was 81.4% and the freedom from CD‐TLR was 94.8% day 365 per Kaplan‐Meier estimate. The majority of patients experienced improvements in their Rutherford classification (90.3%) and walking impairment questionnaire score (83.6%) at 12 months compared to baseline.

Conclusions

This study validated previous positive findings and confirms the strong safety profile and effectiveness outcomes.
Enhanced fault detection for nonlinear processes using modified kernel partial least squares and the statistical local approach
Authors: Wang Li
Published: October 2017

Conventional kernel partial least squares (KPLS) may not function well for detecting incipient faults in nonlinear processes. In relation to existing work, a new statistical local approach based KPLS monitoring strategy is proposed by integrating the statistical local approach into a modified KPLS framework. The advantages of the proposed technique are that (i) the new score variables constructed in the statistical local approach approximately follow Gaussian distribution, in spite of the distribution that the original data follow; (ii) after whitening of the data using KPCA, the dimension of modelling space is greatly reduced, which will definitely improve the computing speed. The new method shows more effective and sensitive performance for detecting incipient faults or slow changes of processes. This is demonstrated by a simulation numerical example and recorded data from a non‐isothermal CSTR process.
Prior predation alters community resistance to an extreme climate disturbance
Authors: Jurgens L. J. , Freestone A. L. , Ruiz G. M. , Torchin M. E.
Published: October 2017

Short‐term physical disturbances occur amid a backdrop of longer‐term biotic interactions, including predation, which shape communities. Effects of consumer interactions typically begin in early stages of assembly and continue throughout post‐disturbance recovery. Despite decades of predation and disturbance research, few studies examine how consumer interactions during these different time periods may affect community responses to disturbance. Here we use replicate communities of tropical, sessile invertebrates to ask whether fish predation during initial assembly (before) and recovery (after) influences community resistance to a hurricane‐level low‐salinity event. Results revealed that pre‐event predation determined whether communities shifted in biomass and community structure following disturbance. Communities that assembled without predators responded to the low‐salinity event strongly, with large shifts in community composition and a mean loss of 54% of pre‐disturbance biomass after a one‐month recovery period. In contrast, those that experienced predation during initial assembly were strikingly resistant to disturbance, which had no effect on species composition or biomass. Results were driven by predator removal of a dominant competitor, which gave rise to more disturbance‐resistant communities. These findings highlight the potential for past trophic interactions to shape community stability in the face of physical disturbances predicted to escalate with global change.
Ventral striatal network connectivity reflects reward learning and behavior in patients withParkinson's disease
Authors: Petersen Kalen , Van Wouwe Nelleke , Stark Adam , Lin Ya‐Chen , Kang Hakmook , Trujillo‐Diaz Paula , Kessler Robert , Zald David , Donahue Manus J. , Claassen Daniel O.
Published: October 2017

A subgroup of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients treated with dopaminergic therapy develop compulsive reward‐driven behaviors, which can result in life‐altering morbidity. The mesocorticolimbic dopamine network guides reward‐motivated behavior; however, its role in this treatment‐related behavioral phenotype is incompletely understood. Here, mesocorticolimbic network function in PD patients who develop impulsive and compulsive behaviors (ICB) in response to dopamine agonists was assessed using BOLD fMRI. The tested hypothesis was that network connectivity between the ventral striatum and the limbic cortex is elevated in patients with ICB and that reward‐learning proficiency reflects the extent of mesocorticolimbic network connectivity. To evaluate this hypothesis, 3.0T BOLD‐fMRI was applied to measure baseline functional connectivity on and off dopamine agonist therapy in age and sex‐matched PD patients with (n = 19) or without (n = 18) ICB. An incentive‐based task was administered to a subset of patients (n = 20) to quantify positively or negatively reinforced learning. Whole‐brain voxelwise analyses and region‐of‐interest‐based mixed linear effects modeling were performed. Elevated ventral striatal connectivity to the anterior cingulate gyrus (P = 0.013), orbitofrontal cortex (P = 0.034), insula (P = 0.044), putamen (P = 0.014), globus pallidus (P < 0.01), and thalamus (P < 0.01) was observed in patients with ICB. A strong trend for elevated amygdala‐to‐midbrain connectivity was found in ICB patients on dopamine agonist. Ventral striatum‐to‐subgenual cingulate connectivity correlated with reward learning (P < 0.01), but not with punishment‐avoidance learning. These data indicate that PD‐ICB patients have elevated network connectivity in the mesocorticolimbic network. Behaviorally, proficient reward‐based learning is related to this enhanced limbic and ventral striatal connectivity.Hum Brain Mapp 39:509–521, 2018. ©2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A refined ecological risk assessment for California red-legged frog, Delta smelt, and California tiger salamander exposed to malathion
Authors: Clemow Yvonne H , Manning Gillian E , Breton Roger L , Winchell Michael F , Padilla Lauren , Rodney Sara I , Hanzas John P , Estes Tammara L , Budreski Katherine , Toth Brent N , Hill Katie L , Priest Colleen D , Teed R Scott , Knopper Loren D , Moore Dwayne RJ , Stone Christopher T , Whatling Paul
Published: October 2017

The California red-legged frog (CRLF), Delta smelt (DS), and California tiger salamander (CTS) are 3 species listed under the United States Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), all of which inhabit aquatic ecosystems in California. The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has conducted deterministic screening-level risk assessments for these species potentially exposed to malathion, an organophosphorus insecticide and acaricide. Results from our screening-level analyses identified potential risk of direct effects to DS as well as indirect effects to all 3 species via reduction in prey. Accordingly, for those species and scenarios in which risk was identified at the screening level, we conducted a refined probabilistic risk assessment for CRLF, DS, and CTS. The refined ecological risk assessment (ERA) was conducted using best available data and approaches, as recommended by the 2013 National Research Council (NRC) report “Assessing Risks to Endangered and Threatened Species from Pesticides.” Refined aquatic exposure models including the Pesticide Root Zone Model (PRZM), the Vegetative Filter Strip Modeling System (VFSMOD), the Variable Volume Water Model (VVWM), the Exposure Analysis Modeling System (EXAMS), and the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) were used to generate estimated exposure concentrations (EECs) for malathion based on worst-case scenarios in California. Refined effects analyses involved developing concentration–response curves for fish and species sensitivity distributions (SSDs) for fish and aquatic invertebrates. Quantitative risk curves, field and mesocosm studies, surface-water monitoring data, and incident reports were considered in a weight-of-evidence approach. Currently, labeled uses of malathion are not expected to result in direct effects to CRLF, DS or CTS, or indirect effects due to effects on fish and invertebrate prey. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:224–239. © 2017 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)

Key Points

A probabilistic risk assessment using refined exposure modeling was conducted on 3 endangered species residing in California, USA. Based on all lines of evidence, malathion is not expected to result in direct effects to the species, or indirect effects due to effects on fish and invertebrate prey.
The importance of bladder volume in the ultrasound diagnosis of placenta accreta spectrum disorders
Authors: Maynard Henry , Zamudio Stacy , Jauniaux Eric , Collins Sally L.
Published: October 2017

Objective

To assess how a quantifiable measure of vascularity—i.e. abnormal confluence (Acon) in the subplacental myometrium observed by three‐dimensional power‐Doppler ultrasonography—changes with different bladder volumes.

Methods

In a prospective observational study, women referred to a tertiary UK center with suspected PAS disorders were recruited between August 2016 and May 2017. The largest area of confluent three‐dimensional power‐Doppler signal (Acon) at the uteroplacental interface was estimated under two bladder volumes differing by at least 200 mL.

Results

Acon was calculated for 14 women, of whom seven were subsequently found to have PAS disorders. For these seven women, log(Acon) was significantly greater when measured with a filled bladder than when measured with an unfilled bladder (P<0.001).

Conclusion

Objective evidence was found for a quantifiable difference in vascularity in the myometrium with bladder volume among women with PAS disorders. This difference has sufficient magnitude to influence the potential of Acon as a diagnostic marker.
Comparison of the Copenhagen Index versus ROMA for the preoperative assessment of women with ovarian tumors
Authors: Minar Lubos , Felsinger Michal , Cermakova Zdenka , Zlamal Filip , Bienertova‐Vasku Julie
Published: October 2017

Objective

To compare the Copenhagen Index (CPH‐I) and the Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA) in the differential diagnosis of ovarian tumors.

Methods

In a retrospective study, data were reviewed from women with ovarian tumors who attended University Hospital Brno, Czech Republic, between July 2011 and June 2015. The women were classified into the benign tumor group or malignant tumor group (borderline and malignant tumors). Serum levels of CA125 and HE4 were extracted from medical records. The two tumor indices were calculated using relevant clinical data.

Results

Among 267 included women, 110 had benign tumors, 42 had borderline ovarian tumors, and 115 had malignant tumors. The two indices showed similar discriminatory performance with no significant differences (P>0.05). In the differentiation of benign tumors from all stages of borderline tumor and ovarian cancer, ROMA showed a sensitivity of 71% at a specificity of 88%, whereas CPH‐I showed a sensitivity of 69% at a specificity of 85%.

Conclusion

CPH‐I is a potential tumor index that is independent of menopausal status. It might be applied as a simple alternative to ROMA in settings of basic medical care.
Leveraging Literacies Through Collaborative, Source‐Based Planning and Teaching in Social Studies and Language Arts
Authors: Patterson Nancy , Weaver Joanna , Fletcher Jamie , Connor Bryce , Thomas Angela , Ross Cindy
Published: October 2017

The value of preparing students for college, careers, and civic life is a shared outcome of social studies and language arts teachers. This study explores how developing content and civic literacy to these ends can be fortified through language arts and social studies teacher collaboration in source‐based planning and teaching. Although numerous studies of the positive impacts of coplanning have been conducted, there has been less focus on the actual implementation of the teachers’ collaborative plans and teachers’ perceptions of their impact. Through examination of teachers’ plans and follow‐up interviews about implementation, researchers found that teachers both planned and implemented inquiry‐based, collaborative plans using sources to promote various types of literacy and that the collaboration increased student interest and inquiry in social studies and integrated language arts. Teachers’ perceptions of the impacts of the collaboration on students’ literacy skills were positive.
Fabrication of Bioactive Fiber‐reinforced PEEK and MXD6 by Incorporation of Precursor of Apatite
Authors: Yabutsuka Takeshi , Fukushima Keito , Hiruta Tomoko , Takai Shigeomi , Yao Takeshi
Published: October 2017

We aimed to develop an effective process to provide bioactivity to carbon fiber‐reinforced polyetheretherketone (PEEK), glass fiber‐reinforced PEEK and glass fiber‐reinforced poly(m‐xylyleneadipamide)‐6 (MXD6), possessing similar elastic modulus to cortical bone in this study. First, we formed fine pores on the surface of each substrate by a short‐time sulfuric acid treatment. Second, in order to provide hydrophilic property, we treated the surfaces of each substrate with oxygen plasma. Finally, we deposited fine particles of amorphous calcium phosphate (PrAp) in the pores by soaking each substrate in SBF adjusted at pH 8.40, 25.0°C, and subsequently kept at 70.0°C for 24 h. By this treatment, we obtained the bioactive fiber‐reinforced polymers. By soaking thus‐obtained each material in SBF, apatite formation was induced on the whole surface of each substrate within 1 day by PrAp deposited in the pores and high apatite‐forming ability was performed on each material. The adhesive strength between the apatite layer showed high value by mechanical anchoring effect generated by the apatite formed in the pores. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 2254–2265, 2018.
Practical experiences from the bench‐scale implementation of a bioprocess for fucoxanthin production
Authors: Gómez‐Loredo Alma , González‐Valdez José , González‐González Mirna , Benavides Jorge , Rito‐Palomares Marco
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

A laboratory‐scale protocol for the production, primary recovery and partial purification of fucoxanthin via biomass production at low light intensities was previously reported. This proposed approach exploited the use of ethanol salt aqueous two‐phase systems (ATPS) and ultrafiltration (UF) to deliver a 45% total recovery yield if all steps were implemented in a bioprocess. In this study, practical experiences derived from the bench‐scale implementation of the previously characterized lab protocol are presented.

RESULTS

After implementation of the process, a 47.5% fucoxanthin recovery was obtained, while 87.2% of the contaminant proteins were removed.

CONCLUSION

The findings reported here provide the required guidelines to facilitate process scale‐up for the potential commercial production and recovery of fucoxanthin. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Harvesting of microalgae Coelastrella sp. FI69 using pore former induced TiO2 incorporated PES mixed matrix membranes
Authors: Yogarathinam Lukka Thuyavan , Gangasalam Arthanareeswaran , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi , Parthasarathy Prakash
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Extracellular polymeric substances and microalgae stimulate membrane fouling during harvesting. The objective of the study was to compare the effect of pore formers on TiO2 embedded polyethersulfone mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) to harvest Coelastrella sp. FI69. The study experimented with hydrophilic additive (polyethylene glycol), polyelectrolyte additive (polyethylenimine), inorganic additive (zinc chloride) and charged polymer (sulfonated polyetherether ketone (SPEEK)) as pore formers.

RESULTS

It was found that SPEEK/TiO2 combination enhanced the hydrophilic property of the PES membrane surface. Also, contact angle value (55.22°) was decreased by 1.38 times that of a neat PES (76.63°) membrane. Morphology studies indicated that the TiO2 particles dispersed well in the PES membrane matrix along with pore formers. The existence of super hydrophilic TiO2 supported the restriction of microalgae cell attachment on the membrane surface. The filtration of alginic acid sodium solution analysis showed that PES/SPEEK/TiO2 and PES/PEG/TiO2 membranes support higher flux with minimal fouling percentage. Microalgae filtration studies indicated that synergistic effect of both SPEEK and TiO2 on PES membrane exhibited higher water recovery percentage of 96% and equilibrium flux of 66 L m‐2 h‐1.

CONCLUSION

Fouling propensity is significantly reduced in modified membranes. Future research on scale‐up of membranes for further microalgae dewatering applications is recommended. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Biofiltration of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein from polluted airstreams using a biofilter
Authors: Jamshidi Arsalan , Hajizadeh Yaghoub , Amin Mohammad‐Mehdi , Kiani Ghasem , Haidari Reza , Falahi‐Nejad Kheibar , Parseh Iman
Published: October 2017

BACKGROUND

Aldehydes inhalation can adversely affect human and environmental health. This study was carried out to investigate the removal efficiency (RE) of three aldehydes including formaldehyde (FA), acetaldehyde (ACT), and acrolein (ACR) from airstreams using a biofilter packed with a new mixture of compost‐scoria‐sugarcane bagasse. Influence of inlet concentrations (0.63–25.15 mg/m3), empty bed residence time (EBRT) (40, 80, and 120 s), and bed height on the biofilter efficiency were measured for three separate 90‐day periods.

RESULTS

The mean RE of FA, ACT, and ACR were 92.6 ± 4.6, 85.3 ± 6.2, and 86.3 ± 5.7%, respectively. The mean RE at EBRTs of 40, 80, and 120 s was 84.9 ± 6.1, 87.9 ± 6.2, and 91.4 ± 5.1%, respectively. Results showed that the RE decreased with increasing inlet concentration, so that the minimum RE (80.2 ± 4.7%) was observed at the inlet concentration of 78.5–25.15 mg m‐3. Also, more than 68% of the overall RE occurred in section 1 of the biofilter, where the mean bacterial population (7.51 log10CFU g‐1) was higher than that in section 2 (7.02 log10CFU g‐1).

CONCLUSIONS

Owing to the high RE and negligible pressure drop of the bed, it can be concluded that a biofilter with the same conditions is a satisfactory technique to remove aldehydes from polluted air. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Aggressive nutrition intervention reduces ascites and frequency of paracentesis in malnourished patients with cirrhosis and ascites
Authors: Vidot Helen , Bowen David G , Carey Sharon , McCaughan Geoffrey W , Allman‐Farinelli Margaret , Shackel Nicholas A
Published: October 2017

Background and Aim

Alterations in nutrient metabolism, nutritional requirements, and reduced dietary intakes are common in chronic liver disease (CLD). These result in malnutrition, sarcopenia, and exacerbate progression to decompensation and ascites. We aimed to investigate the effects of continuous tube feeding (TF) on nutritional status and levels of ascites in malnourished individuals with decompensated cirrhosis.

Methods

Fourteen malnourished patients with decompensated cirrhosis and ascites who failed to respond to standard oral nutritional interventions received supplementary continuous nasogastric TF for 7 ± 1 weeks. Liver disease severity was assessed by model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) and Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) scores.

Results

Continuous TF occurred at home for 7 weeks (1.5–12 weeks). Prior to feeding, 12 patients had severe ascites, 10 required paracentesis, and 13 were severely malnourished. At completion of TF, five patients did not have ascites, four had mild ascites, four had moderate ascites, and only one had severe ascites and 10 no longer required paracentesis (P < 0.001). Median patient survival was 26 ± 7 months. Five survived to transplantation and three remained transplant‐free at 8, 1.9, and 1.7 years. Seven patients were moderately malnourished at completion of TF with an overall improvement in hand grip strength from 51% to 65% of predicted (P = 0.02).

Conclusion

Supplementary continuous TF may help to reduce ascites and paracentesis requirements and improve nutritional status. Supplementary continuous TF should be considered as a treatment for malnourished patients with decompensated cirrhosis and refractory ascites.
“Patient reported outcomes” following experimental surgery—using telemetry to assess movement in experimental ovine models
Authors: Newell Karin , Chitty Jose , Henson Frances M.
Published: October 2017

Many potential treatments for orthopedic disease fail at the animal to human translational hurdle. One reason for this failure is that the majority of pre‐clinical outcome measurements emphasize structural changes, such as gross morphology and histology, and do not address pain or its alleviation, which is a key component of treatment success in man. With increasing emphasis on “patient reported outcome measurements (PROM)” in clinical practice, in this study we have used two different telemetric methods (geolocation and Fitbark activity trackers, Kansas City, MO) to measure movement behavior, i.e., an indirect PROM, in an ovine osteoarthritis induction and an osteochondral defect model performed in adult female Welsh Mountain sheep. This study demonstrates that both systems can be used to track movement and activity of experimental sheep before and after surgery and that the Geolocator system recorded a decrease in distance moved and activity at the end of the experimental period in both models. The Fitbark activity tracker also recorded significant alterations in movement behavior at the end of these studies and this method of recording showed a correlation between Fitbark data and radiography, macroscopic and histological scoring (well recognized outcome measurements), particularly in animals with large (10 mm) defects, i.e., more severe pathology. These results suggest that telemetry is able to track movement behavior in experimental sheep and that the methodology should be considered for inclusion in outcome measures in preclinical orthopedic research. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research® Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Orthopaedic Research Society. J Orthop Res 36:1498–1507, 2018.
3‐dimensional metrics of proximal femoral shape deformities in Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease and slipped capital femoral epiphysis
Authors: Chan Elaine F. , Farnsworth Christine L. , Klisch Stephen M. , Hosalkar Harish S. , Sah Robert L.
Published: October 2017

Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease (LCPD) and slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) are two common pediatric hip disorders that affect the 3‐dimensional shape and function of the proximal femur. This study applied the principles of continuum mechanics to statistical shape modeling (SSM) and determined 3‐D metrics for the evaluation of shape deformations in normal growth, LCPD, and SCFE. CT scans were obtained from 32 patients with asymptomatic, LCPD, and SCFE hips ((0.5–0.9 mm)2 in‐plane resolution, 0.63 mm slice thickness). SSM was performed on segmented proximal femoral surfaces, and shape deformations were described by surface displacement, strain, and growth plate angle metrics. Asymptomatic normal femurs underwent coordinated, growth‐associated surface displacements and anisotropic strains that were site‐specific and highest at the greater trochanter. After size‐ and age‐based shape adjustment, LCPD femurs exhibited large displacements and surface strains in the femoral head and neck, with associated changes in femoral head growth plate angles. Mild SCFE femurs had contracted femoral neck surfaces, and surface displacements in all regions tended to increase with severity of slip. The results of this paper provide new 3‐D metrics for characterizing the shape and biomechanics of the proximal femur. Statement of Clinical Significance: Quantitative 3‐D metrics of shape may be useful for understanding and monitoring disease progression, identifying target regions for shape modulation therapies, and objectively evaluating the success of such therapies. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1526–1535, 2018.
Searching for trial protocols: A comparison of methods
Authors: Sutton Anthea , Galvan De La Cruz Maria Carmen , Leaviss Joanna , Booth Andrew
Published: October 2017

Introduction

Registration and publication of trial protocols has become increasingly important and a requirement in some sources of funding and publication. Increased access to protocols yields many potential benefits, but there are issues regarding identification of published protocols. The aim of this investigation is to compare methods of retrieval for identifying trial protocols in a systematic review.

Methods

Six stages of searching (checking published trial reports, searching journal Web sites, Internet searching, trial registers, bibliographic databases, and contact with authors) were completed to identify 74 trial protocols.

Results

Fifty‐seven percent of the trial protocols were identified upon completion of all 6 stages of searching. The most comprehensive method was searching trial registers that identified 51% of the protocols. Contact with authors was most effective at uniquely identifying protocols; 12% were retrieved via this single method. Contact with authors was the only effective method of identifying protocols for trials pre‐2005.

Discussion

When attempting to identify trial protocols to include in systematic reviews, some methods are relatively quick to undertake but deliver a low yield. The most effective search strategy for most sources was retrieval by trial registration number where available.

Conclusions

For protocols of trial results published pre‐2005, review authors should contact authors as a priority. For protocols post‐2005, they should check the trial publication for protocol details, search trial registers, and contact authors, ceasing searching once a predetermined point of diminishing returns has been reached.