bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Grain size engineered Ba0.9Sr0.1Ti0.9Hf0.1O3‐Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 relaxor ceramics with improved energy storage performance
Authors: Jain Aditya , Wang Yingang , Guo Hao , Wang Neng 
Published: June 2020

AbstractNovel lead‐free diphasic (1‐x)Ba0.9Sr0.1Ti0.9Hf0.1O3‐xNa0.5Bi0.5TiO3 (BSTH‐NBT) ceramic nanocomposites were synthesized via an economically viable modified mechano‐chemical activation technique. In the present investigation, we have developed an energy storage composite material by systematically optimizing the charge transport behavior and charge storage characteristics between the ferroelectric BSTH and piezoelectric NBT phase. The composite with x = 0.09 NBT concentration has shown the best energy storage properties with 1.61 J/cm3 discharge energy density along with 80.1% energy efficiency. The BSTH and NBT had a synergetic effect on the ferroelectric properties of the composites. The improvement in ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties along with excellent aging characteristics in composite materials is mainly attributed to enhancement in microstructural density, grain boundary interface, and stress effects. The improved dispersibility and excellent compatibility between BSTH and NBT phase have resulted in approximately 20% enhancement in breakdown strength of composite compared to pure BSTH ceramic.
Comparison of a 1064‐nm neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet picosecond laser using a diffractive optical element vs. a nonablative 1550‐nm erbium‐glass laser for the treatment of facial acne scarring in Asian patients: a 17‐week prospective, randomized, split‐face, controlled trial
Authors: Kwon H.H. , Yang S.H. , Cho Y.J. , Shin E. , Choi M. , Bae Y. , Jung J.Y. , Park G.‐H. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundNovel picosecond lasers using a diffractive optical element (P‐DOE) have been available for skin resurfacing with distinct mechanisms. However, there are limited data directly comparing P‐DOE and conventional fractional lasers for the treatment of atrophic acne scarring.ObjectivesWe sought to compare the efficacy and safety of a 1064‐nm neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminium garnet P‐DOE and a non‐ablative fractional laser (NAFL) in the treatment of acne scarring.MethodsA prospective, randomized, split‐face, controlled trial was performed. One randomly assigned half‐side of each patient’s face (n = 25) was treated with four consecutive sessions of P‐DOE at 3‐week intervals and the other side with NAFL, with subsequent follow‐up for 8 weeks after the final sessions. The efficacy and safety of the two lasers were determined by the Echelle d'Evaluation Clinique des Cicatrices d'acné (Scale of Clinical Evaluation of Acne Scars; ECCA) grading scale, Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) score and patients’ reports at the final visit. Histologic analysis was also performed.ResultsThe P‐DOE‐treated side achieved a significantly better improvement in acne appearance (ECCA per cent reduction: 55% vs. 42%) with less severe pain (4.3 vs. 5.6) (P < 0.05). The IGA score and subjective satisfaction were consistent with ECCA score results. Occurrences of treatment‐related side‐effects were also lower in the group treated with P‐DOE (P < 0.05). Histologic analysis revealed elongation and increased density of neocollagen fibres, elastic fibres and mucin throughout the dermis from both sides.ConclusionsCompared with NAFL, P‐DOE afforded better clinical outcomes and fewer side‐effects in the treatment of acne scarring in Asian patients.
Change in sexual signalling traits outruns morphological divergence across an ecological gradient in the post‐glacial radiation of the songbird genusJunco
Authors: Friis Guillermo , Milá Borja 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe relative roles of natural and sexual selection in promoting evolutionary lineage divergence remains controversial and difficult to assess in natural systems. Local adaptation through natural selection is known to play a central role in promoting evolutionary divergence, yet secondary sexual traits can vary widely among species in recent radiations, suggesting that sexual selection may also be important in the early stages of speciation. Here, we compare rates of divergence in ecologically relevant traits (morphology) and sexually selected signalling traits (coloration) relative to neutral structure in genome‐wide molecular markers and examine patterns of variation in sexual dichromatism to explore the roles of natural and sexual selection in the diversification of the songbird genusJunco(Aves: Passerellidae). Juncos include divergent lineages in Central America and several dark‐eyed junco (J. hyemalis) lineages that diversified recently as the group recolonized North America following the last glacial maximum (ca. 18,000 years ago). We found an accelerated rate of divergence in sexually selected characters relative to ecologically relevant traits. Moreover, sexual dichromatism measurements suggested a positive relationship between the degree of colour divergence and the strength of sexual selection when controlling for neutral genetic distance. We also found a positive correlation between dichromatism and latitude, which coincides with the geographic axis of decreasing lineage age in juncos but also with a steep ecological gradient. Finally, we found significant associations between genome‐wide variants linked to functional genes and proxies of both sexual and natural selection. These results suggest that the joint effects of sexual and ecological selection have played a prominent role in the junco radiation.
Post‐orthodontic recontouring of anterior teeth using composite injection technique with a digital workflow
Authors: Hosaka Keiichi , Tichy Antonin , Motoyama Yasuji , Mizutani Koji , Lai Wei‐Jen , Kanno Zuisei , Tagami Junji , Nakajima Masatoshi 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectiveRestorative treatment of anterior teeth is often required as the final step of orthodontic therapy to optimize the esthetics and function. This case report presents a direct minimally invasive approach for post‐orthodontic recontouring of anterior teeth using the composite injection technique with a digital workflow.Clinical considerationsThe extraction of central incisors with short roots was indicated to resolve maxillary anterior crowding. The gained space was closed with lateral incisors, and it was necessary to recontour them and canines to resemble central and lateral incisors, respectively. The restorations were digitally designed, and a transparent silicone index was fabricated from a 3D‐printed cast of the digital wax‐up. After lateral incisors and canines were bonded with a universal adhesive in the etch‐and‐rinse mode, a highly filled injectable composite resin was applied into the index. The restorative treatment was preceded by gingivectomy using an Er:YAG laser and home bleaching.ConclusionsIn cases where more complex recontouring of anterior teeth is necessary, the composite injection technique could be a suitable alternative to indirect restorations, because it is straightforward, cost‐effective, and does not require any preparation. The digital workflow simplified and expedited the treatment while contributing to its precision.Clinical SignificancePost‐orthodontic recontouring using direct composite restorations is well accepted by patients due to low cost and non‐invasiveness. However, in complicated cases, the free‐hand technique is time‐consuming and technique‐sensitive. The presented composite injection technique with a digital workflow significantly simplifies and expedites the composite placement while predictably enhancing the treatment outcome.
First observations of intersex development in paddlefish Polyodon spathula
Authors: Schooley Jason D. , Geik Adam , Scarnecchia Dennis L. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis study reports the first cases of intersex (abnormal development of both male and female reproductive tissues in a gonad) paddlefish Polyodon spathula, an Acipenseriform species of large rivers in the central U.S. and in aquaculture worldwide. Despite a large, multi‐decadal data set in Oklahoma, Montana, and North Dakota, intersex development was not observed until 2019, when two individuals were harvested from the Grand Lake/Neosho River stock in Oklahoma. This suggests that intersex development in mid‐water, zooplanktivorous paddlefish is rarer than in bottom‐dwelling sturgeons for which intersex development is regularly observed. Although contaminants are implicated in causing intersex development in other Acipenseriformes, more investigation is needed.
Rising prevalence of colonic diverticulosis in a westernized multi‐ethnic Asian community
Authors: Soh Yu Sen Alex , Ooi Shu Qin Delicia , Chan Yiong Huak , Siah Tien‐Ho Kewin , Lee Soh‐Ee , Lee Wei Jie Jonathan , Zhu Feng , Yeoh Khay Guan , Gwee Kok‐Ann 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackground and AimSingapore is a multi‐ethnic country that has undergone rapid development over the last few decades, with increasing influence of western culture, and faces an aging population. Previously, a varying prevalence of colonic diverticulosis (CD) was reported by a few small studies. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of CD in Singapore and identify associations with common gastrointestinal symptoms and risk factors.MethodsWe reviewed retrospective data of 20 395 consecutive colonoscopies performed from 2006 to 2016 for presence of CD and indications of screening, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain.ResultsThe prevalence of CD progressively increased from 2006 to 2016 (14.9% vs 23.9%, adjusted trend < 0.001), with an overall prevalence of 19.6%. Patients with CD were older and had higher body mass index (BMI). CD was significantly more prevalent in Chinese compared with Malay and Indian races (20.5% vs 18.9% vs 15.5%, P < 0.05), and in male patients compared with female patients (21.5% vs 17.6%, P < 0.05). Right‐sided CD was more common than left‐sided or pan diverticulosis (16.2% vs 8.3% vs 4.8%, P < 0.05). Age [odds ratio (OR), 1.060; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.052–1.068], BMI (OR, 1.051; 95% CI, 1.028–1.075), male gender (OR, 1.317; 95% CI, 1.084–1.600), and abdominal pain (OR, 1.409; 95% CI, 1.168–1.699) were positively associated, while constipation (OR, 0.566; 95% CI, 0.452–0.709) was negatively associated with CD.ConclusionThe prevalence of CD in Singapore has progressively increased over the last decade and is associated with older age, higher BMI, and abdominal pain. These findings may provide insights for healthcare resource planning in the region.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided cyanoacrylate injection to prevent rebleeding in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with variceal hemorrhage
Authors: Tang Raymond S Y , Kyaw Moe H , Teoh Anthony Y B , Lui Rashid N S , Tse Yee‐Kit , Lam Thomas Y T , Chan Stephen L , Wong Vincent W S , Wu Justin C Y , Lau James Y W , Sung Joseph J Y 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackground and AimSecondary prophylaxis (SP) of variceal rebleeding was reported to improve outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, but the optimal endoscopic approach is not well defined. We compared outcomes in HCC patients who underwent SP by endoscopic ultrasound‐guided cyanoacrylate obturation (EUS‐CYA) versus no SP.MethodsBetween 2014 and 2018, 30 consecutive patients with inoperable HCC and recent endoscopically controlled variceal bleeding were prospectively recruited. Twenty‐seven patients with persistent varices ≥ 3 mm on endoscopic ultrasound underwent EUS‐CYA for SP. Thirty‐three HCC patients treated by esophagogastroduodenoscopy‐guided CYA obturation (EGD‐CYA) alone for acute variceal bleeding between 2009 and 2013 were identified from a prospective gastrointestinal bleed registry as standard of care controls for comparison. Outcome measures were death‐adjusted cumulative incidence of rebleeding, bleeding‐free survival, technical success, and procedure‐related adverse events of EUS‐CYA.ResultsThe majority of patients in both groups had advanced HCC, portal vein thrombosis, and Child–Pugh B cirrhosis. EUS‐CYA was successful in all 27 patients with no radiographic evidence of cyanoacrylate–lipiodol embolization. Significantly lower 30‐ and 90‐day death‐adjusted cumulative incidence of rebleeding (14.8% vs 42.4%, P = 0.023 and 18.5% vs 60.6%, P = 0.002, respectively) and significantly higher variceal bleeding‐free survival at 3 and 6 months (51.9% vs 21.2%, P = 0.009, 40.7% vs 15.2%, P = 0.010, respectively) were observed in the EUS‐CYA group when compared with standard of care group.ConclusionsSecondary prophylaxis by EUS‐CYA reduced rebleeding rate and improved variceal bleeding‐free survival in patients with inoperable HCC and variceal bleeding when compared with no SP. Randomized studies are needed to confirm the benefits of EUS‐CYA for this difficult‐to‐treat population.
Metabolic functions of prolactin: Physiological and pathological aspects
Authors: Lopez‐Vicchi Felicitas , De Winne Catalina , Brie Belen , Sorianello Eleonora , Ladyman Sharon R. , Becu‐Villalobos Damasia 
Published: June 2020

AbstractProlactin is named after its vital role of promoting milk production during lactation, although it has been implicated in multiple functions within the body, including metabolism and energy homeostasis. Prolactin has been hypothesised to play a key role in driving many of the adaptations of the maternal body to allow the mother to meet the physiological demands of both pregnancy and lactation, including the high energetic demands of the growing foetus followed by milk production to support the offspring after birth. Prolactin receptors are found in many tissues involved in metabolism and food intake, such as the pancreas, liver, hypothalamus, small intestine and adipose tissue. We review the literature examining the effects of prolactin in these various tissues and how they relate to changes in function in physiological states of high prolactin, such as pregnancy and lactation, and in pathological states of hyperprolactinaemia in the adult. In many cases, whether prolactin promotes healthy metabolism or leads to dysregulation of metabolic functions is highly dependent on the situation. Overall, although prolactin may not play a major role in regulating metabolism and body weight outside of pregnancy and lactation, it definitely has the ability to contribute to metabolic function.
Progression of COVID‐19 From Urban to Rural Areas in the United States: A Spatiotemporal Analysis of Prevalence Rates
Authors: Paul Rajib , Arif Ahmed A. , Adeyemi Oluwaseun , Ghosh Subhanwita , Han Dan 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPurposeThere are growing signs that the COVID‐19 virus has started to spread to rural areas and can impact the rural health care system that is already stretched and lacks resources. To aid in the legislative decision process and proper channelizing of resources, we estimated and compared the county‐level change in prevalence rates of COVID‐19 by rural‐urban status over 3 weeks. Additionally, we identified hotspots based on estimated prevalence rates.MethodsWe used crowdsourced data on COVID‐19 and linked them to county‐level demographics, smoking rates, and chronic diseases. We fitted a Bayesian hierarchical spatiotemporal model using the Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm in R‐studio. We mapped the estimated prevalence rates using ArcGIS 10.8, and identified hotspots using Gettis‐Ord local statistics.FindingsIn the rural counties, the mean prevalence of COVID‐19 increased from 3.6 per 100,000 population to 43.6 per 100,000 within 3 weeks from April 3 to April 22, 2020. In the urban counties, the median prevalence of COVID‐19 increased from 10.1 per 100,000 population to 107.6 per 100,000 within the same period. The COVID‐19 adjusted prevalence rates in rural counties were substantially elevated in counties with higher black populations, smoking rates, and obesity rates. Counties with high rates of people aged 25‐49 years had increased COVID‐19 prevalence rates.ConclusionsOur findings show a rapid spread of COVID‐19 across urban and rural areas in 21 days. Studies based on quality data are needed to explain further the role of social determinants of health on COVID‐19 prevalence.
Rapid resolution of colitis related to immunosuppressive medication after infliximab administration
Authors: Coghill Matthew , Howell Mary , Wallis Gonzalo , Dranove Jason 
Published: June 2020

AbstractImmunosuppression is necessary after solid organ transplantation. The non‐infectious side effects associated with many of these agents are not well understood. We report a case of colitis, most resembling inflammatory bowel disease, that persisted despite withdrawal of tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil and transition to alternative agents. The patient was treated for clostridium difficile without improvement. Endoscopic biopsies demonstrated non‐specific inflammation without evidence of active infection. An extensive immunologic and oncologic workup was negative. Ultimately, we trialed the administration of infliximab, a monoclonal antibody that inhibits TNF‐alpha receptors that is commonly used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. With infliximab treatment, the patient experienced rapid resolution of his disease and has remained in remission.
Prospective study of serum and aqueous humour anti‐Hsp70.1 IgG antibody levels in ocular toxoplasmosis
Authors: Chiquet Christophe , Chumpitazi Bernabé , Vilgrain Isabelle , Lesoin Anne , Fricker‐Hidalgo Helene , Brenier‐Pinchart Marie‐Pierre , Vasseneix Caroline , Savy Olivier , Campolmi Nelly , Gain Philippe , Flori Pierre , Aptel Florent , Pelloux Hervé , Bouillet Laurence 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimsWe evaluate whether the serum and aqueous humour (AH) level of IgG anti‐Hsp70.1 antibodies improved the biological diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis.Methods and resultsIn this prospective cross‐sectional and multicentre study, serum and AH were collected at the time of active uveitis. Anti‐Hsp70.1‐antibody levels were determined by ELISA. Patients with confirmed (Group A1, n = 21) or suspected ocular toxoplasmosis (group A2, n = 30) were enrolled, as well as a control group of patients with cataract (group B, n = 42). Serum IgG anti‐Hsp70.1 antibody levels were not significantly different within the group of uveitis patients (A1, n = 21 vs A2, n = 30, P = .8) and were significantly associated with the affected retinal zone (P = .006) and with the size of the retinal lesion (P = .03). Serum anti‐Hsp70.1 antibody level was positive in 10 out of the 18 patients of group A2. Significant anti‐Hsp‐70.1 antibody level in AH was reported in only three patients (3 eyes) with confirmed ocular toxoplasmosis.ConclusionWhile the level of IgG anti‐Hsp‐70.1 antibody in AH did not improve the laboratory diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis, its level in serum was of major significance for retinal damage diagnosis.
Incidence of antibiotic resistance in Vibrio spp
Authors: Loo Ke‐Yan , Letchumanan Vengadesh , Law Jodi Woan‐Fei , Pusparajah Priyia , Goh Bey‐Hing , Ab Mutalib Nurul‐Syakima , He Ya‐Wen , Lee Learn‐Han 
Published: June 2020

AbstractVibrio species is a common natural inhabitant of brackish and saltwater. Vibrio sp. includes not only emerging pathogens but also well‐known and emerged pathogens, such as V. cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus. Although it is often harmless, pathogenic strains which could cause serious food‐borne illnesses/outbreaks in both humans and animals have been identified. Vibrio infection is usually self‐limiting and requires no clinical treatment. However, antibiotics are still required to treat severe cases of Vibrio infection. Recent reports have highlighted a rise in the presence of antibiotic‐resistant Vibrio in the environment. This hampers the clinical treatment of Vibrio infection and has been linked to the imprudent use of antibiotics in various fields such as human medicine, agriculture and animal husbandry. As a result, it has greatly jeopardized food security, threatened public health and impugned the growth of economy. Food is a potential vehicle of antibiotic‐resistant Vibrio where the resistant genes are transmitted to humans via ingestion of contaminated food. Hence, the surveillance, monitoring and management of antibiotic patterns of Vibrio are important for clinical treatment. This review focuses on different trends and global patterns of antibiotic resistance of Vibrio.
Quantitative Risk Assessment: Developing a Bayesian Approach to Dichotomous Dose–Response Uncertainty
Authors: Wheeler Matthew W. , Blessinger Todd , Shao Kan , Allen Bruce C. , Olszyk Louis , Davis J. Allen , Gift Jeffrey S 
Published: June 2020

AbstractModel averaging for dichotomous dose–response estimation is preferred to estimate the benchmark dose (BMD) from a single model, but challenges remain regarding implementing these methods for general analyses before model averaging is feasible to use in many risk assessment applications, and there is little work on Bayesian methods that include informative prior information for both the models and the parameters of the constituent models. This article introduces a novel approach that addresses many of the challenges seen while providing a fully Bayesian framework. Furthermore, in contrast to methods that use Monte Carlo Markov Chain, we approximate the posterior density using maximum a posteriori estimation. The approximation allows for an accurate and reproducible estimate while maintaining the speed of maximum likelihood, which is crucial in many applications such as processing massive high throughput data sets. We assess this method by applying it to empirical laboratory dose–response data and measuring the coverage of confidence limits for the BMD. We compare the coverage of this method to that of other approaches using the same set of models. Through the simulation study, the method is shown to be markedly superior to the traditional approach of selecting a single preferred model (e.g., from the U.S. EPA BMD software) for the analysis of dichotomous data and is comparable or superior to the other approaches.
Long‐term in vitro persistence of magnetic properties after magnetic bead‐based cell separation of T cells
Authors: Laghmouchi Aicha , Hoogstraten Conny , Falkenburg J. H. Frederik , Jedema Inge 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMagnetic‐activated cell sorting (MACS) using magnetic nanoparticles coated with specific antibodies is commonly used in immunology research. For in vitro isolation purposes, it is important to know to what extent the magnetic properties remain present in the isolated cell populations and whether it has consequences for sequential isolations. We hypothesized that only upon cell division, cells will lose their magnetic properties via dilution of the particles in/on their daughter cells. We analysed residual magnetic properties of cells that divided vs cells that did not divide after magnetic bead‐based cell separation. As a model, we isolated T cells using beads targeting the non‐modulating surface molecule CD45RO. Cells were labelled with the cell division tracking dye PKH and cultured under different conditions to induce variable degrees of cell division. We demonstrate that T cells that underwent no, or only minimal, cell divisions after MACS retained magnetic properties for up to at least 2 weeks of in vitro culture. The presence of nanoparticles was detected on their cell surface and intracellularly using Labeling Check reagent. These results have important consequences for procedures requiring repetitive isolation rounds after in vitro culture.