bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental Risk Assessment of Nanomaterials in the Light of New Obligations Under the REACH Regulation: Which Challenges Remain and How to Approach Them?
Authors: Schwirn Kathrin , Voelker Doris , Galert Wiebke , Quik Joris , Tietjen Lars 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Within the European regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH, EC No 1907/2006) specific provisions for nanomaterials were included, which have become effective on 1 January 2020. Although knowledge on the peculiarities of testing and assessing fate and effects of nanomaterials in the environment strongly increased in the last years, uncertainties about how to perform a reliable and robust environmental risk assessment for nanomaterials still remain. These uncertainties are of special relevance in a regulatory context, challenging both industry and regulators. The present paper presents current challenges in regulatory hazard and exposure assessment under REACH, as well as classification of nanomaterials, and makes proposals to address them. Still, the nanospecific considerations made here are expected to also be valid for environmental risk assessment approaches in other regulations of chemical safety. Inter alia, these proposals include a way forward to account for exposure concentrations in aquatic toxicity test systems, a discussion of how to account for availability of dissolving nanomaterials in aquatic test systems, and a pragmatic proposal to deduce effect data for soil organisms. Furthermore, it specifies how to potentially deal with nanoforms under the European regulation on Classification, Labelling and Packaging of substances and mixtures (CLP) and outlines the needs for proper exposure assessments of nanomaterials from a regulatory perspective. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020;16:706–717. © 2020 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)
Association of socioeconomic status and clinical and demographic conditions with the prevalence of preterm birth
Authors: Brink Lucy T. , Nel Daan G. , Hall David R. , Odendaal Hein J. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the effects of socioeconomic and demographic conditions on the prevalence of preterm birth in a local community.MethodsPregnant women (aged ≥16 years) willing to provide informed consent in one of the two languages of the community were recruited in South Africa between August 2007 and January 2015. Specifically designed case report forms collected information and measurements prospectively.ResultsAfter reviewing the medical records of 5806 women, it was possible to identify those who had spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB), induced preterm birth (IPTB), or spontaneous term birth (STB). Women with IPTB (vs SPTB) were more obese and had higher education levels and household incomes; more had telephones and running water at home. They enrolled earlier and more developed hypertension and pre‐eclampsia. Women with SPTB (vs STB) were less obese, shorter, had smaller arm circumferences and higher gravidities and Edinburgh Depression Scores, lower education, fewer telephones, and less running water at home. More women with SPTB used methamphetamine, cigarettes, and were heavier smokers.ConclusionSPTB and IPTB should not be conflated. Programs to reduce the high prevalence of SPTB should include improving education, lifestyle, and socioeconomic conditions. Addressing hypertension should help reduce preterm inductions.
Fitness adaptive deer hunting‐based region growing and recurrent neural network for melanoma skin cancer detection
Authors: Divya D. , Ganeshbabu T. R. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis proposal aims to enhance the accuracy of a dermoscopic skin cancer diagnosis with the aid of novel deep learning architecture. The proposed skin cancer detection model involves four main steps: (a) preprocessing, (b) segmentation, (c) feature extraction, and (d) classification. The dermoscopic images initially subjected to a preprocessing step that includes image enhancement and hair removal. After preprocessing, the segmentation of lesion is deployed by an optimized region growing algorithm. In the feature extraction phase, local features, color morphology features, and morphological transformation‐based features are extracted. Moreover, the classification phase uses a modified deep learning algorithm by merging the optimization concept into recurrent neural network (RNN). As the main contribution, the region growing and RNN improved by the modified deer hunting optimization algorithm (DHOA) termed as Fitness Adaptive DHOA (FA‐DHOA). Finally, the analysis has been performed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Integration of plasmonic heating and on‐chip temperature sensor for nucleic acid amplification assays
Authors: Monshat Hosein , Wu Zuowei , Pang Jinji , Zhang Qijing , Lu Meng 
Published: March 2020

AbstractNucleic acid tests have been widely used for diagnosis of diseases by detecting the relevant genetic markers that are usually amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This work reports the use of a plasmonic device as an efficient and low‐cost PCR thermocycler to facilitate nucleic acid‐based diagnosis. The thermoplasmonic device, consisting of a one‐dimensional metal grating, exploited the strong light absorption of plasmonic resonance modes to heat up PCR reagents using a near‐infrared laser source. The plasmonic device also integrated a thin‐film thermocouple on the metal grating to monitor the sample temperature. The plasmonic thermocycler is capable of performing a PCR amplification cycle in ~2.5 minutes. We successfully demonstrated the multiplex and real‐time PCR amplifications of the antibiotic resistance genes using the genomic DNAs extracted from Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli and Campylobacter.
KLF5 influences cell biological function and chemotherapy sensitivity through the JNK signaling pathway in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Wang Zheng , Qiu Xinguang , Zhang Hao , Li Weihan 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWe aimed to investigate the effects of Krüppel‐like factor 5 (KLF5) on cell biological function and chemotherapy sensitivity of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) and explore the underlying mechanism. In this study, we found that KLF5 was expressed higher in ATC cells than that in normal thyroid cells. Knockdown of KLF5 inhibited proliferation, induced apoptosis and restrained invasion and migration abilities of ATC cells. KLF5 overexpression promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis of ATC cells in response to doxorubicin (Dox), whereas KLF5 knockdown increased the sensitivity of ATC cells to Dox. Multidrug resistance gene 1/permeability glycoprotein and ATP‐binding cassette superfamily G member 2 were heightened in ATC cells with KLF5 overexpression, but the opposite results were found in sh‐KLF5‐treated cells. Phosphorylation (p)‐c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) was upregulated in KLF5 overexpression cells, whereas it was downregulated in the KLF5 knockdown treatment group. Furthermore, KLF5 knockdown inhibited ATC growth and enhanced the Dox sensitivity of ATC by inactivating the JNK signaling pathway. Taken together, our findings concluded that KLF5 knockdown can remarkably inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration and induce apoptosis of ATC cells, and increase the chemotherapy sensitivity of ATC, all of which probably through inhibiting the JNK signaling pathway.
Antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and antifibrotic effects of the combination of liposomal resveratrol and carvedilol against doxorubicin‐induced cardiomyopathy in rats
Authors: Alanazi Abeer , Fadda Laila , Alhusaini Ahlam , Ahmad Rehab 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe use of the cytotoxic antibiotic doxorubicin (DOXR) is limited by its dose‐dependent cardiotoxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cardioprotective effect of the combination of carvedilol (CARD) and liposomal resveratrol (LIPO RESV) against DOXR‐induced cardiomyopathy in rats. The results of the present study showed that DOXR administration significantly increased heart weight/body weight ratio by 35.6%, creatine kinase‐MB (CK‐MB) by 40.6%, troponin‐I levels by 85%, and decreased reduced glutathione level and superoxide dismutase activity by 47% and 52%, respectively compared to the control group. Moreover, cardiac caspase‐3 protein expression was upregulated by 51.6% vs the control group. In contrast, treatment of DOXR‐administered rats with CARD, RESV, or LIPO RESV and their combination for 6 weeks improved all the above‐mentioned measured parameters. In conclusion, concomitant administration of CARD and LIPO RESV exerted additive pharmacological effects in some measured parameters against DOXR‐induced cardiomyopathy and this may be a useful cardioprotective strategy.
The persistence of current market valuation of future capital investment
Authors: Beneda Nancy 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis paper examines the valuation of future potential capital spending and research and development expense (capital investment) in current market value of equity. The purpose of this study is to develop an option modelling technique which can be used by financial analysts to assist in measuring the current market value of future new capital spending and the persistence of the value of capital investment. A capital investment Delta is developed, using option pricing modelling, as an indicator of productive future capital investment. This study uses a sample of initial public offerings (IPOs), which went public during the years, 2004 through 2015. The metrics are computed at the end of the second year after going public and then regressed on the next year NASDAQ adjusted stock return. The results of the study indicate that productive future capital investment, as developed in the current study, is persistent and is significantly associated with a firm's future stock performance.
Qualities required for new graduate visiting nurses: A qualitative study
Authors: Akiyama Akiko , Fukuyama Yumi 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe qualities required for new graduates to become visiting nurses remain unclear. The present study aimed to clarify the qualities required for new graduate visiting nurses.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with nine home‐visiting nurses. Content analysis was conducted by the transcribed data collected from visiting nurses.ResultsYears of nursing experience were ranged from 16 to 50. In total, 23 attributes were extracted and categorized.ConclusionOur findings indicated that the qualities required for new graduate visiting nurses were as follows: basic knowledge and skills required as professionals and appropriate attitudes as members of society.
The effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy on arterial stiffness and central hemodynamic parameters
Authors: Coksevim Metin , Akcay Murat , Yuksel Serkan , Yenercag Mustafa , Cerik Bugra , Gedikli Omer , Gulel Okan , Sahin Mahmut 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIntroductionCardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a device‐based method of treatment which decreases morbidity and mortality in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). This study was aimed to investigate the effects of CRT on hemodynamic and arterial stiffness parameters evaluated by noninvasive method, and determine whether there is a correlation between the changes after CRT in these parameters and the clinical response to CRT or not.MethodsThe study included 46 patients with HFrEF who were planned to undergo CRT implantation. Before the CRT implantation, clinical and demographic data were recorded from all patients. Hemodynamic and arterial stiffness parameters were measured oscillometrically by an arteriograph before CRT implantation. The patients were re‐evaluated minimum three months after CRT; the above‐mentioned parameters were measured again and compared to the pre‐CRT period.ResultsCompared to the period before CRT, mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) (116.8 ± 19.1 mm Hg vs 127.7 ± 20.9 mm Hg, P = .005), central SBP (cSBP) (106.2 ± 17.3 mm Hg vs 116.8 ± 18.7 mm Hg, P = .015), cardiac output (CO) (4.6 ± 0.8 lt/min vs 5.1 ± 0.8 lt/min, P = .002), stroke volume (65.6 ± 16.3 mL vs 72.0 ± 14.9 mL), and pulse wave velocity (PWV) (10 ± 1.6 m/sec vs 10.4 ± 1.8 m/sec, P = .004) increased significantly in post‐CRT period. In addition, the same parameters were significantly increased post‐CRT period in patients with clinical response. However, there was not any similar increase in nonresponder patients.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that SBP, CO, and PWV increased significantly after CRT. The modest increases in these parameters were observed to be associated with positive clinical outcomes.
Performance of RegCM4 simulations over Croatia and adjacent climate regions
Authors: Güttler Ivan , Stilinović Tomislav , Srnec Lidija , Branković Čedo , Coppola Erika , Giorgi Filippo 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWe investigate the impact of horizontal resolution, convection parameterization and lateral boundary conditions on the ability of a regional climate model ‐ RegCM4 to simulate the observed temperature and precipitation climatology over Croatia and surrounding regions. An ensemble of RegCM4 simulations over Europe has been generated including two resolutions (50 and 12.5 km), two different deep convection schemes and different boundary conditions (a reanalysis and four global climate models). Using two observational data sets (with and without the undercatch correction) shows that the magnitude of RegCM4 errors in winter precipitation also depends on observational uncertainty. While the mean precipitation amounts in high‐resolution simulations are generally overestimated in the cold part of the year, low‐resolution RegCM4 simulations are comparable to most of other EURO‐CORDEX models. When forced by ERA‐Interim, RegCM4 performs relatively poorly in reproducing temporal correlations against observations, but performs well in terms of spatial correlation. Whereas precipitation amounts from high‐resolution simulations need further improvements, the RegCM4 skill in simulating near‐surface temperature is high and well suited for impact studies.
Mechanical compression augments venous flow equal to intermittent pneumatic compression
Authors: Amanatullah Derek F. , Shah Harsh N. , Johnson Bonnie , Wall James 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIntermittent pneumatic compression is part of the current standard of care model for preventing venous thromboembolic events (VTE) after total joint arthroplasty. Pneumatic motors limit the rate of inflation resulting in bulky devices with uncomfortable sleeves that inhibited patient compliance and mobility. Nonpneumatic mechanical devices are an alternative for providing mobile, graded, intermittent, sequential, rapid, and monitorable compression posthospitalization. Fifteen healthy volunteers underwent mechanical compression using the Cirvo (Radial Medical, Mountain View, CA) as well as pneumatic compression with four commercially available systems (VenaFlow Elite, Kendall SCD Compression System, ActiveCare DVT, Vasculaire Compression System) and manual calf compression. Peak flow velocity (PFV) was measured by ultrasound of the femoral vein during compression and at baseline. Mechanical compression for 1 second resulted in a significant increase in femoral venous PFV to 107.8 ± 38.2 cm/s from 17.1 ± 4.7 cm/s at baseline (P < .001). The change in femoral venous PFV with mechanical compression for 1 second (90.7 ± 34.9 cm/s) was not statistically different from pneumatic compression from VenaFlow system (106.0 ± 35.6 cm/s, P = .124) and statistically lower than manual calf compression (115.5 ± 26.8 cm/s, P = .015). Pneumatic compression from the VenaFlow system produced the largest change in femoral venous PFV of all commercial pneumatic systems tested. Mechanical compression replicates or exceeds femoral venous PFV available from currently available intermittent pneumatic compression.
Modulation in Aggregation Behavior of Cationic Surfactant in Presence of Fluoroquinolone Drug: A Physicochemical Approach
Authors: Pathania Lalita , Chauhan Suvarcha 
Published: March 2020

AbstractMeasurements of density, speed of sound, conductivity, and fluorescence spectroscopy have been carried out to study the interactions between cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide in an aqueous solution of the fluoroquinolone drug at different concentrations and temperatures. Volumetric and compressibility parameters, such as apparent molar volumes (
V
φ), isentropic compressibility (
κ
s), and apparent molar isentropic compressibility (κ
φ, s), have been obtained from density and speed of sound. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) is found to decrease with an increase in [antibiotic drug] and increase with an increase in temperature, accounting for the fact that hydrophilic dehydration plays a decisive role for micellization to take place. The various thermodynamic parameters indicate the spontaneity of micellization in the presence of drug moiety. The CMC values have been calculated using pyrene as a fluorescent probe at room temperature, and a good qualitative correlation is found to exist well with the CMC values determined using speed of sound and conductivity measurements.
Flexible organic light‐emitting‐diode‐based photonic skin for attachable phototherapeutics
Authors: Jeon Yongmin , Choi Hye‐Ryung , Park Kyoung‐Chan , Choi Kyung Cheol 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPhototherapeutics is both safely noninvasive and can be employed to treat a variety of sites and diseases. Current rigid and bulky conventional light sources, such as LED or laser‐based phototherapy devices, are difficult to transport and use for regular irradiation treatments. To solve this problem, flexible organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) light sources are the best candidates, and if applied very thinly as a skin‐like platform, the ultimate attachable phototherapeutics can be realized. We demonstrated a very thin flexible OLED‐based photonic skin with a total thickness of 6 μm for application in attachable phototherapeutics. It was optimized by controlling the peak wavelengths (600–700 nm) and irradiation interval of the flexible OLED thus improving the regeneration effect of the artificial skin by up to 70%. In addition, when the flexible OLED‐based photonic skin was attached to a dressing film before being applied to the skin, it delivered the same electro‐optical properties, while protecting against external contamination. The OLED skin on the dressing film had an operating lifetime of more than 100 h. These results confirmed the applicability of flexible OLED‐based photonic skin to various light treatment areas, such as surgical wounds that require periodic irradiation.
Isolation and purification of alkaloids from the fruits of Macleaya cordata by ionic‐liquid‐modified high‐speed counter‐current chromatography
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Wang Wenjuan , Che Fenfang , Lu Yanzhen , Li Aoxin , Li Hao , Liu Jiangang , Wei Yun 
Published: March 2020

AbstractMacleaya cordata (Willd) R. Br. is a medicinal plant. The most important bioactive compounds of M. cordata are alkaloids that have many biological activities including antifungal, anti‐inflammatory, and antitumor. In this study, an ionic‐liquid‐modified high‐speed counter‐current chromatography method was established to obtain alkaloids from the fruits of M. cordata. The conditions of ionic‐liquid‐modified high‐speed counter‐current chromatography, including solvent systems, the content of ionic liquid (1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [C4mim][BF4]), and the posttreatment of the ionic liquid, were investigated. Five alkaloids protopine, allocryptopine, sanguinarine, 8‐O‐demethylchelerythrine, and chelerythrine were separated from the extract of the fruits using a high speed counter‐current chromatography with two‐phase solvent system composed of dichloromethane/methanol/0.3 mol/L hydrochloric acid aqueous solution/[C4mim][BF4] (4:2:2:0.015, v/v). Their purities were 96.33, 95.56, 97.94, 96.22, and 97.90%, respectively. The results indicated that a small amount of ionic liquids as modifier of the two‐phase solvent system could shorten the separation time and improve the separation efficiency of the alkaloids from the fruits. The ionic‐liquid‐modified high‐speed counter‐current chromatography would provide a feasible way for highly effective separation of alkaloids from natural products.
Hospitalized Patients With New‐Onset Vocal Fold Immobility Warrant Inpatient Injection Laryngoplasty
Authors: Reder Lindsay , Bertelsen Caitlin , Angajala Varun , O'Dell Karla , Fisher Laurel 
Published: March 2020

ObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of early inpatient bedside injection laryngoplasty (IL) in hospitalized patients with iatrogenic unilateral vocal fold immobility (UVFI).Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsA retrospective review of hospitalized patients with iatrogenic UVFI undergoing IL between September 2013 and June 2017 was performed. Patients had a swallow evaluation by a speech‐language pathologist and bedside IL. Evaluated outcomes included swallow scores, return to diet, secondary events/procedures, and hospital length of stay. Outcomes related to etiology of UVFI were also examined.ResultsThe cohort consisted of 90 patients (61% male, 52% after cardiac/cardiothoracic surgery). Seventy‐seven percent of all patients who could improve had increased swallow scores after IL. The lowest number (40%) from the subgroup of patients with high vagal injuries as the cause of UVFI obtained improvement in swallow scores, whereas 87% of those in the cardiac surgery group improved. There were more bronchoscopies and reintubations in patients before IL than after IL.ConclusionHospitalized patients with UVFI are at increased risk of morbidity and mortality due to dysphagia. We advocate for early swallow evaluation and intervention with IL if there is dysphagia and risk of aspiration. Coordination of care between interdisciplinary teams is paramount to a successful inpatient IL program.Level of Evidence2b Laryngoscope, 131:115–120, 2021