bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Follicular pathway role in chemical warfare simulants percutaneous penetration
Authors: Elmahdy Akram , Cao Yachao , Hui Xiaoying , Maibach Howard 
Published: October 2020

AbstractChemical warfare (CW) exposure could be fatal to military and civilians through skin contamination. Our work and others focus on investigating stratum corneum reservoir with less regards to skin appendageal routes including hair follicles. Here, C‐14 CW simulants (CWS) with specific activity of 0.1 mCi/ml were tested on abdominal and scalp human cadaver skin using flow‐through diffusion system. Quantitative analysis of simulants in skin compartments were performed using scintillation counter. Scalp permeation of dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether (DPGME), diisopropyl methylphosphonate (DIMP) and methyl salicylate (MeS) exceed abdominal skin by 8%, 15%, and 6% (p value < 0.05) of applied dose, respectively. DPGME and DIMP (most hydrophilic) showed earlier permeation peak time (Tmax) through scalp skin at 2 and 4 h, respectively, comparing with 6 h with abdominal skin. The percentage of applied dose of DPGME and DIMP retained in human skin membrane (SC, epidermis, and viable dermis) showed no statistically significant difference between tested abdominal and scalp skin samples (p value >0.05). The percentage of applied dose of MeS in scalp showed higher partitioning in stratum corneum and viable epidermis than abdominal skin (p value <0.05).In conclusion, human scalp showed greater total skin absorption than abdominal skin. This work points to a qualitative importance of high follicular density body regions in percutaneous penetration and suggests that transfollicular pathway might have a significant role in early stage permeation of chemical warfare simulants. However, the difference noticed here between scalp and abdominal skin could be attributed to regional variability in anatomy, physiology, and barrier characteristics.
COVID‐19 and the pulmonary complications of sickle cell disease
Authors: Sivalingam Thivya , Inusa Baba , Doyle Pat , Oteng‐Ntim Eugene 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSickle cell disease (SCD) patients are commonly affected by pulmonary complications such as acute chest syndrome (ACS), pulmonary embolism (PE) and pneumonia that contribute to significant mortality risks. With a greater susceptibility to infection, they are deemed to be vulnerable patients during the current COVID‐19 pandemic. In emerging small case studies of SCD patients with COVID‐19 and further complicated by pneumonia, ACS, and/or PE, the clinical benefits of early exchange transfusion and Tocilizumab are evident. However, further clinical trials and larger cohort studies are essential to evaluate effective diagnostic and management options for this high‐risk group.
The use of a high‐power (50 W), ablation index‐guided protocol for ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus
Authors: Tscholl Verena , Kamieniarz Paul , Nagel Patrick , Landmesser Ulf , Attanasio Philipp , Huemer Martin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundHigh‐power (HP) ablation protocols are increasingly used for ablation procedures to shorten procedural times and improve short‐ and long‐term success. The ablation index (AI) combines contact force, power settings, and ablation time. It can be used in combination with HP protocols to guide operators toward standardized lesions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate both a HP and AI‐guided strategy for ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) in patients with typical atrial flutter (AFL).MethodsIn this single‐center study, consecutive patients with typical AFL (n = 52, mean age 68.7 ± 8.3 years, 21/52 [40.4%] female) underwent AI‐guided HP radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the CTI. Ablation was performed with 50 W and AI target values of 550 with a maximum ablation duration of 25 seconds per lesion. Target interlesion distance was ≤6 mm. Ablation was performed with a 3.5 mm porous tip Smarttouch SF catheter.ResultsAcute CTI block was achieved in 52 of 52 patients (100%), and first‐pass conduction block was achieved in 41 of 52 patients (80.4%). Spontaneous reconduction after 30 minutes waiting time occurred in 1 of 52 (1.9%) patient. Average ablation time until CTI block was 3:51 ± 1:40; 2:33 ± 1:01 minutes of bonus ablation pulses were applied after CTI block. An audible steam pop was noted in one patient (1.9%). No major complications occurred. After a mean follow‐up of 193.7 ± 152.2 days, no patient showed recurrence of typical AFL.ConclusionIn this pilot study, AI‐guided HP ablation of the CTI was fast, safe, and effective.
Exploring supplier–supplier innovations within the Toyota supply network: A supply network perspective
Authors: Potter Antony , Wilhelm Miriam 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis article investigates the development of supplier–supplier innovations that occur when two firms that are part of the same supply network co‐patent a new product. This study unravels how the structure of the supply network influences each firm's ability to form supplier–supplier innovations with other network members. Specifically, we investigate how supplier degree centrality influences the generation of supplier–supplier innovations, and the extent to which this relationship is moderated by the structural embeddedness of firms in the supply network. Using data from the Toyota supply network, the results reveal that a firm's ability to co‐develop supplier–supplier innovations with other network members depends on its number of ties and their direction within the supply network. Although betweenness centrality has no significant moderating effect, closeness centrality, and embeddedness in small world clusters negatively moderate the relationship between supplier degree centrality and supplier–supplier innovations. Additionally, the number of manufacturing plants a firm operates in Japan strengthens the positive effect supplier degree centrality has on the development of supplier–supplier innovations.
Biomechanical evaluation of total ankle arthroplasty. Part II: Influence of loading and fixation design on tibial bone–implant interaction
Authors: Quevedo González Fernando J. , Steineman Brett D. , Sturnick Daniel R. , Deland Jonathan T. , Demetracopoulos Constantine A. , Wright Timothy M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFinite element (FE) models to evaluate the burden placed on the interaction between total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) implants and the bone often rely on peak axial forces. However, the loading environment of the ankle is complex, and it is unclear whether peak axial forces represent a challenging scenario for the interaction between the implant and the bone. Our goal was to determine how the loads and the design of the fixation of the tibial component of TAA impact the interaction between the implant and the bone. To this end, we developed a framework that integrated robotic cadaveric simulations to determine the ankle kinematics, musculoskeletal models to determine the ankle joint loads, and FE models to evaluate the interaction between TAA and the bone. We compared the bone–implant micromotion and the risk of bone failure of three common fixation designs for the tibial component of TAA: spikes, a stem, and a keel. We found that the most critical conditions for the interaction between the implant and the bone were dependent on the specimen and the fixation design, but always involved submaximal forces and large moments. We also found that while the fixation design influenced the distribution and the peak value of bone–implant micromotion, the amount of bone at risk of failure was specimen dependent. To account for the most critical conditions for the interaction between the implant and the bone, our results support simulating multiple specimens under complex loading profiles that include multiaxial moments and span entire activity cycles.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging–Guided Focused Ultrasound Positioning System for Preclinical Studies in Small Animals
Authors: Drakos Theoharis , Giannakou Marinos , Menikou Georgios , Damianou Christakis 
Published: October 2020

ObjectivesA positioning device compatible with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) used for preclinical studies in small animals was developed that fits in MRI scanners up to 7 T. The positioning device was designed with two computer‐controlled linear stages.MethodsThe positioning device was evaluated in an agar‐based phantom, which mimics soft tissues, and in a rabbit. Experiments with this positioning device were performed in an MRI system using the agar‐based phantom. The transducer used had a diameter of 50 mm, operated at 0.5 MHz, and focused energy at 60 mm.ResultsMagnetic resonance thermometry was used to assess the functionality of the device, which showed adequate deposition of thermal energy and sufficient positional accuracy in all axes.ConclusionsThe proposed system fits in MRI scanners up to 7 T. Because of the size of the positioning device, at the moment, it can be used to perform preclinical studies on small animals such as mice, rats, and rabbits.
Clinical Characteristics of Patients With Papilloma in the External Auditory Canal
Authors: Luo Wenwei , Wu Jingfang , Peng Kevin A. , Li Qingzhong , Du Qiang , Xu Jianghong , Dai Chunfu , Chi Fanglu , Shu Yilai 
Published: October 2020

ObjectivesTo determine the clinical characteristics of papilloma involving the external auditory canal (PEAC) in a region of China.Study designA retrospective study.MethodsDemographics, manifestations, imaging results, histopathology, and treatment of 67 patients diagnosed with PEAC in a period of 6 years were analyzed at Shanghai Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital in China.ResultsPEAC were encountered in patients between the ages of 12 and 82 years (mean 53.8 years). It was more prevalent in men (82%) than in women (18%) (P < .05). The clinical presentation was usually a mass in EAC, aural fullness, and hearing loss. Otoscopic and radiological examination were used together for initial diagnosis and pretreatment planning. Unilateral involvement was more common than bilateral involvement (P < .05). The average time between onset of first symptom and surgical resection and/or biopsy was 6.5 months (range, 0.25–60 months). All patients underwent gross total resection. In 5 patients, (7.5%) carcinoma was detected in the specimen. Fifteen patients (22%) had recurrence; recurrent tumors were detected after an average period of 10 months after surgery (range, 4–24 months).ConclusionPEAC is largely a benign lesion with a low risk of malignancy. Optimal management is via gross total resection. However, the risk of recurrence is high, which motivates a need for long‐term monitoring.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:1132–1137, 2021
Water temperature control on CO2 flux and evaporation over a subtropical seagrass meadow revealed by atmospheric eddy covariance
Authors: Van Dam Bryce R. , Lopes Christian C. , Polsenaere Pierre , Price René M. , Rutgersson Anna , Fourqurean James W. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSubtropical seagrass meadows play a major role in the coastal carbon cycle, but the nature of air–water CO2 exchanges over these ecosystems is still poorly understood. The complex physical forcing of air–water exchange in coastal waters challenges our ability to quantify bulk exchanges of CO2 and water (evaporation), emphasizing the need for direct measurements. We describe the first direct measurements of evaporation and CO2 flux over a calcifying seagrass meadow near Bob Allen Keys, Florida. Over the 78‐d study, CO2 emissions were 36% greater during the day than at night, and the site was a net CO2 source to the atmosphere of 0.27 ± 0.17 μmol m−2 s−1 (x̅ ± standard deviation). A quarter (23%) of the diurnal variability in CO2 flux was caused by the effect of changing water temperature on gas solubility. Furthermore, evaporation rates were ~ 10 times greater than precipitation, causing a 14% increase in salinity, a potential precursor of seagrass die‐offs. Evaporation rates were not correlated with solar radiation, but instead with air–water temperature gradient and wind shear. We also confirm the role of convective forcing on night‐time enhancement and day‐time suppression of gas transfer. At this site, temperature trends are regulated by solar heating, combined with shallow water depth and relatively consistent air temperature. Our findings indicate that evaporation and air–water CO2 exchange over shallow, tropical, and subtropical seagrass ecosystems may be fundamentally different than in submerged vegetated environments elsewhere, in part due to the complex physical forcing of coastal air–sea gas transfer.
Lignin‐Based Solid Polymer Electrolytes: Lignin‐Graft‐Poly(ethylene glycol)
Authors: Liu Hailing , Mulderrig Logan , Hallinan Daniel , Chung Hoyong 
Published: October 2020

AbstractLignin is an aromatic‐rich biomass polymer that is cheap, abundant, and sustainable. However, its application in the solid electrolyte field is rare due to challenges in well‐defined polymer synthesis. Herein, the synthesis of lignin‐graft‐poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and its conductivity test for a solid electrolyte application are demonstrated. The main steps of synthesis include functionalization of natural lignin's hydroxyl to alkene, followed by graft‐copolymerization of PEG thiol to the lignin via photoredox thiol‐ene reaction. Two lignin‐graft‐PEGs are prepared having 22 wt% lignin (lignin‐graft‐PEG 550) and 34 wt% lignin (lignin‐graft‐PEG 2000). Then, new polymer electrolytes for conductivity tests are prepared via addition of lithium bis‐trifluoromethanesulfonimide. The polymer graft electrolytes exhibit ionic conductivity up to 1.4 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 35 °C. The presence of lignin moderately impacts conductivity at elevated temperature compared to homopolymer PEG. Furthermore, the ionic conductivity of lignin‐graft‐PEG at ambient temperature is significantly higher than homopolymer PEG precedents.
Burden of Parkinson's Disease by Severity: Health Care Costs in the U.S. Medicare Population
Authors: Dahodwala Nabila , Li Pengxiang , Jahnke Jordan , Ladage Vrushabh P. , Pettit Amy R. , Kandukuri Prasanna L. , Bao Yanjun , Zamudio Jorge , Jalundhwala Yash J. , Doshi Jalpa A. 
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundCurrent understanding of the health care costs of Parkinson's disease (PD) and the incremental burden of advanced disease is incomplete.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the direct economic burden associated with advanced versus mild/moderate PD in a prevalent national sample of elderly U.S. Medicare beneficiaries with a PD diagnosis.MethodsAnalyzing 100% fee‐for‐service Medicare claims from 2013, we defined advanced PD with a medication‐based algorithm and calculated all‐cause and PD‐related costs for the overall sample and by disease severity. We measured primary PD‐related costs (based on claims with a primary diagnosis of PD) and any PD‐related costs (based on claims with PD in any diagnostic field). Generalized linear models were used to estimate risk‐adjusted mean cost differences between the advanced and mild/moderate PD groups for the calendar year.ResultsThe final sample (N = 144,703) had mean observed all‐cause, primary PD‐related, and any PD‐related costs of $23,041 (SD, $34,045), $3429 (SD, $7431), and $9924 (SD, $22,140), respectively. Twenty percent of patients were classified as advanced PD. Costs varied substantially; any PD‐related mean costs were $483 for the lowest patient decile (which included 1% of the advanced group) and $48,145 for the highest decile (which included 15% of the advanced group). Incremental risk‐adjusted costs of advanced PD were $5818 (95% confidence interval [CI]: $5411–$6225) for all‐cause costs, $3644 (95% CI: $3484–$3806) for primary PD‐related costs, and $6088 (95% CI: $5779–$6398) for any PD‐related costs.ConclusionsElderly Medicare beneficiaries with PD had substantial variation in PD‐related costs. Advanced PD was associated with a larger economic burden than mild/moderate PD. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Wide posterior gluteal‐thigh propeller flap for reconstruction of perineal defects
Authors: Ordenana Carlos , Dalla Pozza Edoardo , Rampazzo Antonio , Said Sayf , McBride Jennifer , Kessler Hermann , Bassiri Gharb Bahar 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIntroductionWith increasing popularity of minimally invasive approaches to abdominoperineal resection (APR), thigh‐based flaps are becoming the preferred option for reconstruction. The gluteal‐thigh flap provides sufficient bulk, albeit with a high complication rate. We reevaluated the vascularization and design of the gluteal‐thigh flap. The purpose of this study is to highlight the importance of the vascularization of the posterior thigh skin by the descending branch of the inferior gluteal artery (IGA) and the profunda femoris artery (PFA) perforators to design a more reliable and versatile gluteal thigh flap. This flap is indicated in selected cases in which use of vertical rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap is not feasible.MethodsEleven fresh cadavers were used. The course, distribution, and diameter of IGA and PFA perforators were recorded. A wide posterior gluteal‐thigh propeller flap (WPGTPF) was designed including the distance between the ischiatic tuberosity and greater trochanter; and extending it to within 8 cm of the popliteal fossa to improve flap reliability. Ten patients (mean age of 58.7 ± 10.6 years) underwent APR due to anal cancer (2) and rectal cancer (8); the approach was open in 3, laparoscopic in 6, and robotic in 1. All 10 patients received unilateral flap with a width of 12 ± 3.3 cm and surface of 405.5 ± 175.9 cm2.ResultsThe descending branch of the IGA was dominant in 72.7% of the specimens. In 22.7% of the specimens, the pedicle of the flap derived from the first or second PFA perforators. In one case, there was a double vascularization. Descending branch of the IGA was mapped at 46 ± 7.96 mm on the X‐axis (horizontal line from the ischial tuberosity [IT] to the greater trochanter) and −12.1 ± 17.9 mm on the Y‐axis (vertical line from the IT to the Medial Femoral condyle). Its average caliber measured 2.18 ± 0.3 mm. The first and second PFA perforators were located at 101.6 ± 17.9 mm and 104.5 ± 15.5 mm on the X‐axis; 35.9 ± 27.1 mm and 89.2 ± 37.6 mm on the Y‐axis. Their average diameters were 1.84 ± 0.41 mm and 1.48 ± 0.3 mm. In two cases, the flap was based on the first PFA perforator, the rest were on the descending branch of the IGA. Neither complete nor partial flap necrosis was observed. One patient developed coccyx osteomyelitis treated and resolved with bone debridement and one patient developed a seroma of the lateral thigh that was treated conservatively. Three patients underwent a debulking procedure by a combination of liposuction and resection to improve the gluteal symmetry. All ten flaps survived completely.ConclusionsHarvest of a wide flap that includes the PFA perforators and implementation of the propeller design increase the survival and versatility of the flap.
Impact of Primary Tumor Location on Survival After Curative Resection in Patients with Colon Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of Propensity Score-Matching Studies
Authors: Ishizuka Mitsuru , Shimizu Takayuki , Shibuya Norisuke , Takagi Kazutoshi , Hachiya Hiroyuki , Nishi Yusuke , Suda Kotaro , Aoki Taku , Kubota Keiichi 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
Recent retrospective subgroup analyses of patients with unresectable colon cancer (CC) receiving systemic chemotherapy have demonstrated that there is a significant difference in treatment outcome between patients with right-sided CC (RSCC) and those with left-sided CC (LSCC). However, it is impossible to divide patients with CC randomly into RSCC and LSCC groups before surgery. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the impact of primary tumor location (PTL) on survival after curative surgery for patients with CC using propensity score-matching (PSM) studies instead of randomization.

Materials and Methods
We performed a comprehensive electronic search of the literature up to January 2019 to identify studies that had used databases allowing comparison of postoperative survival between patients with RSCC and those with LSCC. To integrate the impact of PTL on 5-year overall survival (OS) after curative surgery, a meta-analysis was performed using random-effects models to calculate the risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the selected PSM studies.

Results
Five studies involving a total of 398,687 patients with CC were included in this meta-analysis. Among 205,641 patients with RSCC, 69,091 (33.6%) died during the observation period, whereas among 193,046 patients with LSCC, 63,380 (32.8%) died during the same period. These results revealed that patients with RSCC and those with LSCC had almost the same 5-year OS (RR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.89–1.07; p = .64; I2 = 97%).

Conclusion
This meta-analysis has demonstrated that there was no significant difference in 5-year OS between patients with RSCC and those with LSCC after curative resection.

Implications for Practice
To integrate the impact of primary tumor location (PTL) on 5-year overall survival (OS) after curative surgery, five propensity score-matching (PSM) studies involving a total of 398,687 patients with colon cancer (CC) were included in this meta-analysis. Among 205,641 patients with right-sided CC (RSCC), 69,091 (33.6%) died during the observation period, whereas among 193,046 patients with left-sided CC (LSCC), 63,380 (32.8%) died during the same period. These results revealed that patients with RSCC and those with LSCC had almost the same 5-year OS (risk ratio, 0.98; 95% confidence interval, 0.89–1.07; p = .64; I2 = 97%).
Rationale and design of the Baylor Infant Twin Study—A study assessing obesity‐related risk factors from infancy
Authors: Momin Shabnam R. , Senn Mackenzie K. , Buckley Scott , Buist Neil R.M. , Gandhi Manisha , Hair Amy B. , Hughes Sheryl O. , Hodges Kelly R. , Lange William C. , Papaioannou Maria A. , Phan Mimi , Waterland Robert A. , Wood Alexis C. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundEarly childhood (0–3 years) is a critical period for obesity prevention, when tendencies in eating behaviors and physical activity are established. Yet, little is understood about how the environment shapes children's genetic predisposition for these behaviors during this time. The Baylor Infant Twin Study (BITS) is a two phase study, initiated to study obesity risk factors from infancy. Data collection has been completed for Phase 1 in which three sub‐studies pilot central measures for Phase 2. A novel infant temperament assessment, based on observations made by trained researchers was piloted in Behavior Observation Pilot Protocol (BOPP) study, a new device for measuring infant feeding parameters (the “orometer”) in the Baylor Infant Orometer (BIO), and methods for analyzing DNA methylation in twins of unknown chorionicity in EpiTwin.MethodsEpiTwin was a cross‐sectional study of neonatal twins, while up to three study visits occurred for the other studies, at 4‐ (BOPP, BIO), 6‐ (BOPP), and 12‐ (BOPP, BIO) of age. Measurements for BOPP and BIO included temperament observations, feeding observations, and body composition assessments while EpiTwin focused on collecting samples of hair, urine, nails, and blood for quantifying methylation levels at 10 metastable epialleles. Additional data collected include demographic information, zygosity, chorionicity, and questionnaire‐based measures of infant behaviors.ResultsRecruitment for all three studies was completed in early 2020. EpiTwin recruited 80 twin pairs (50% monochorionic), 31 twin pairs completed the BOPP protocol, and 68 singleton infants participated in BIO.ConclusionsThe psychometric properties of the data from all three studies are being analyzed currently. The resulting findings will inform the development of the full BITS protocol, with the goal of completing assessments at 4‐, 6‐, 12‐, and 14‐month of age for 400 twin pairs.