bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Fractional Micro‐Plasma Radiofrequency and Fractional Microneedle Radiofrequency for the Treatment of Atrophic Acne Scars: A Pilot Randomized Split‐Face Clinical Study in China
Authors: Lan Ting , Tang Li , Xia Aiai , Hamblin Michael R. , Jian Dan , Yin Rui 
Published: December 2020

Background and ObjectiveBoth fractional micro‐plasma radiofrequency (RF) and fractional microneedle RF are novel devices that can be applied for the treatment of atrophic acne scars, and they have both been proved to be effective. To compare the clinical effectiveness and adverse reactions of fractional micro‐plasma RF and fractional microneedle RF for the therapy of facial atrophic acne scars in a randomized split‐face study.Study Design/Materials and MethodsSixty patients with facial atrophic acne scars received three applications at 2‐month intervals in a randomized split‐face study using fractional micro‐plasma RF and fractional microneedle RF on different sides of the face. Three independent dermatologists evaluated the improvement in acne scars using the ECCA grading scale (Echelle d'Evaluation Clinique des Cicatrices d'Acné) by comparing the digital images and graded the improvement in the acne scars. Patients were asked to provide a self‐evaluation of satisfaction for efficacy and safety. Adverse effects were also recorded after each treatment.ResultsIn total sixty patients completed the entire study. A significant improvement was observed in the appearance of acne scars, and the mean ECCA scores improved significantly after both modalities. The mean decrease in ECCA scores from the baseline was significantly more pronounced in fractional micro‐plasma RF as compared with fractional microneedle RF (41.33 ± 20.19 vs 32.17 ± 17.35; P < 0.05). The degree of clinical improvement was also significantly better for fractional micro‐plasma RF. Pain, erythema, and swelling were observed in all patients after both treatments. The pain was more intense during micro‐plasma RF treatment (P = 0.000), and the duration of pain and erythema were longer than with fractional microneedle RF (P = 0.000). Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) was observed in one patient on the fractional micro‐plasma RF side while no PIH was observed on the fractional microneedle RF side. No infections or worsening of scarring was observed with either treatment. No subject was dissatisfied with the efficacy of either device. Rolling scars tended to respond better to fractional micro‐plasma RF treatment compared with fractional microneedle RF (P = 0.000).ConclusionsBoth fractional micro‐plasma RF and fractional microneedle RF are effective and safe methods for improving atrophic acne scars. Fractional micro‐plasma RF is significantly more effective for atrophic acne scars, especially for rolling scars. However, fractional microneedle RF has fewer side effects plus shorter downtime, and patients are more comfortable after the treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
A Reusable Column Method Using Glycopolymer‐Functionalized Resins for Capture–Detection of Proteins and Escherichia coli
Authors: Ajish Juby K. , Abraham Hephziba Maria , Subramanian Mahesh , Kumar K. S. Ajish 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe use of glycopolymer‐functionalized resins (Resin–Glc), as a solid support, in column mode for bacterial/protein capture and quantification is explored. The Resin–Glc is synthesized from commercially available chloromethylated polystyrene resin and glycopolymer, and is characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and elemental analysis. The percentage of glycopolymer functionalized on Resin–Glc is accounted to be 5 wt%. The ability of Resin–Glc to selectively capture lectin, Concanavalin A, over Peanut Agglutinin, reversibly, is demonstrated for six cycles of experiments. The bacterial sequestration study using SYBR (Synergy Brands, Inc.) Green I tagged Escherichia coli/Staphylococcus aureus reveals the ability of Resin–Glc to selectively capture E. coli over S. aureus. The quantification of captured cells in the column is carried out by enzymatic colorimetric assay using methylumbelliferyl glucuronide as the substrate. The E. coli capture studies reveal a consistent capture efficiency of 105 CFU (Colony Forming Units) g−1 over six cycles. Studies with spiked tap water samples show satisfactory results for E. coli cell densities ranging from 102 to 107 CFU mL−1. The method portrayed can serve as a basis for the development of a reusable solid support in capture and detection of proteins and bacteria.
How cultural branding, story‐telling, and personification can save the iconic Australian koala
Authors: Caldwell Marylouise , Henry Paul C. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis article addresses the question as to why such a much loved and iconic Australian animal—the koala—has long been headed on a trajectory of extinction; primarily due to a lack of public concern and political will. Despite the affectionate regard in which they are held, koalas remain out of sight and out of mind for most Australians. However, the widely publicized catastrophic Australian bushfire season of 2019–2020 is a rare and illuminating case in which public support for koala welfare was stimulated by significant national and international media attention. The primary problem facing koala conservation was thrown into sharp relief—the need to proactively protect them from human activities destroying their habitat. This article explores how a marketer‐lead intervention, employing cultural branding, story‐telling, and personification, could potentially motivate the public to apply pressure at all levels of government to proactively protect the koala's habitat and grow their numbers. This solution is grounded in an awareness of several issues likely to impact its success, including: (1) the koala's biology and behavior, (2) uncertainty around koala population numbers, (3) the emergence of the koala as an (inter)national) icon, (4) the Australian 2019–2020 bushfire emergency, (5) postfire complacency, (6) Lewis and other koala stories, (7) acknowledging competing interests, and (8) taking learnings forward. Finally, the proposed campaign centers on forging emotional links between the koala and consumers, which are likely to positively impact consumers' attitudes, information processing and memory functions associated with messages highlighting the need to preserve the koala's habitat.
Optimization of process parameters of friction stir spot welding of polycarbonate sheets and morphological analysis
Authors: Ülker A. , Ayaz A. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractFriction stir spot welding has a great impact on the joining process of thermoplastics. In this work, effects of varying rotational speed, plunge depth, and dwell time were investigated on polycarbonate sheets and a filler sheet was utilized to reduce the keyhole size of friction stir spot welded joints. The welding parameters were arranged according to Taguchi L9 orthogonal design of experiments to determine the optimum levels of process parameters. Lap shear tests were performed to examine the mechanical properties. Using analysis of variance and signal to noise ratio, influences of each welding parameter on the lap joint shear load were evaluated. According to achieved results, tool rotational speed has the highest effect while plunge depth has minimum effect on the mechanical behavior of friction stir spot welded joints. Optimum process parameters were attained as 1000 min−1 for rotational speed, 10.5 mm of plunge depth, and 40 s of dwell time. Optimized process parameters showed 15 % improvement compared to the initial welding parameters. Cross‐sectional appearances of welded samples which play an important role in determining lap joint shear load were analyzed by morphological and visual comparisons. Failure modes of the fractured samples for lowest, moderate and highest lap joint shear loads were also observed.
Long short‐term memory networks for proton dose calculation in highly heterogeneous tissues
Authors: Neishabouri Ahmad , Wahl Niklas , Mairani Andrea , Köthe Ullrich , Bangert Mark 
Published: December 2020

PurposeTo investigate the feasibility and accuracy of proton dose calculations with artificial neural networks (ANNs) in challenging three‐dimensional (3D) anatomies.MethodsA novel proton dose calculation approach was designed based on the application of a long short‐term memory (LSTM) network. It processes the 3D geometry as a sequence of two‐dimensional (2D) computed tomography slices and outputs a corresponding sequence of 2D slices that forms the 3D dose distribution. The general accuracy of the approach is investigated in comparison to Monte Carlo reference simulations and pencil beam dose calculations. We consider both artificial phantom geometries and clinically realistic lung cases for three different pencil beam energies.ResultsFor artificial phantom cases, the trained LSTM model achieved a 98.57% γ‐index pass rate ([1%, 3 mm]) in comparison to MC simulations for a pencil beam with initial energy 104.25 MeV. For a lung patient case, we observe pass rates of 98.56%, 97.74%, and 94.51% for an initial energy of 67.85, 104.25, and 134.68 MeV, respectively. Applying the LSTM dose calculation on patient cases that were fully excluded from the training process yields an average γ‐index pass rate of 97.85%.ConclusionsLSTM networks are well suited for proton dose calculation tasks. Further research, especially regarding model generalization and computational performance in comparison to established dose calculation methods, is warranted.
Satisfaction with a rechargeable sacral neuromodulation system—A secondary analysis of the ARTISAN‐SNM study
Authors: Geynisman‐Tan Julia , Mueller Margaret G. , Kenton Kimberly S. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimTo describe factors associated with satisfaction with the Axonics sacral neuromodulation (SNM) System at 1 year.MethodsThis was a secondary analysis of data collected in the ARTISAN‐SNM study—a single arm, prospective, multicenter trial of the Axonics r‐SNM System™. ARTISAN‐SNM recruited participants with urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) to undergo a single, nonstaged implant of the lead and rechargeable neurostimulator. Participants were considered therapy responders if they had ≥50% reduction in UUI episodes in a 3‐day period at 1‐month post‐implant. Bladder diaries and satisfaction (7‐point Likert scale) were assessed at 1 year.ResultsIn all, 124 participants (110 “responders” and 14 “non‐responders”) had complete data at baseline, 1 month and 1 year following implant. Most participants were satisfied with Axonics at 1 year: 68.5% were “very satisfied,” 25.8% were “moderately satisfied,” and 2.4% were “slightly satisfied.” At 1 year, treatment efficacy, as measured by electronic bladder diaries, was significantly associated with satisfaction. Participants who were “very satisfied” had a larger reduction in voids per day (p = .01), leaks per day (p = .004), urgent leaks per day (p = .04), and voids in which the urgency was desperate per day (p = .03) compared to those less satisfied. Twelve of the 14 “non‐responders” continued to see improvements in symptom reduction from 1 month to 1 year; 9/14 (64%) were “responders” at 1 year with six reporting being “very satisfied” and one reporting being “moderately satisfied.”ConclusionSatisfaction 1 year after implantation of Axonics SNM is extremely high and correlates with the degree of symptom improvement, which increases over time.
Completeness of Intervention Reporting of Clinical Trials Published in Highly Ranked Obesity Journals
Authors: Rauh Shelby Lynn , Turner D’Arcy , Jellison Sam , Allison David B. , Fugate Colony , Foote Greyson , Vassar Matt 
Published: December 2020

ObjectiveRandomized controlled trials (RCTs) play a crucial role in the research and advancement of medical treatment. A cross‐sectional study design was utilized to analyze the completeness of intervention reporting using the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist and to evaluate factors associated with intervention reporting. A comparison of the completeness of intervention reporting before and after the publication of TIDieR was sought.MethodsPubMed was searched for RCTs in the top 10 obesity journals per the Google h5‐index. After excluding non‐RCTs, 300 articles were randomly sampled. After assessing each publication for eligibility, two authors (SLR and DT) extracted data related to intervention reporting from records in an independent, masked fashion. Data were then verified and analyzed.ResultsThe analysis revealed that the quality of intervention reporting is quite variable. Overall, no statistically significant difference in the quality of intervention reporting before and after the release of TIDieR guidelines was found. In general, obesity research has good intervention reporting in areas such as the mode of delivery, material lists for intervention, and procedure lists. However, four main areas in which obesity researchers can improve reporting quality were determined. These include providing the expertise and background of intervention providers and providing statements regarding the assessment of fidelity of the intervention.ConclusionsUrgent intervention is warranted to improve the quality of research reporting in obesity research, which is a fundamental component of obesity management. This will likely require a unified approach from researchers, journals, and funding sources.
Fast synchronization of distributed generators with power grid under transient conditions using hybrid optimization algorithm
Authors: Christopher Alwin Vinifred , Rengaswamy Ramesh 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe integration of nonrenewable and renewable energy resources is growing rapidly due to energy demand and smart grid technologies. In power grids, the performance of synchronization is reduced by some issues such as frequency instability, voltage distortion, and voltage unbalance. This work presents the fast synchronization of the PV grid‐connected system utilized the hybrid optimized proportional resonant (PR) controller under transient condition. The proposed system is designed and controlled by the optimized PR controller strategy on stationary reference frame control. The AC voltage is switched into the AC grid voltage, and error can occur in the difference between the phase reference and measured value. So the current controller of the PR controller is considering the effects of harmonics. The controller is properly tuned by the hybrid algorithm of killer whale optimization (KWO) and the grasshopper optimization algorithm to reduce the harmonics. The synchronization reduces the phase angle, voltage, and frequency between the generator outcomes. The performance of a PV based optimized PR controller controlled the voltage source inverter to achieve the optimal signal of fast synchronization. The effect of total harmonic distortion transient response is improved by the well‐designed PR control parameters based LC filter. The proposed system is implemented in MATLAB/Simulink platform. The robustness of the system is compared with traditional controllers of the proportional integral derivative and proportional–integral controller.
Differential mast cell phenotypes in benign versus cancer tissues and prostate cancer oncologic outcomes
Authors: Hempel Sullivan Heidi , Maynard Janielle P , Heaphy Christopher M , Lu Jiayun , De Marzo Angelo M , Lotan Tamara L , Joshu Corinne E , Sfanos Karen S 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe reported previously that high numbers of mast cells in benign (extra‐tumoral) regions of the prostate are associated with worse outcomes after radical prostatectomy including biochemical recurrence and the development of metastases. Herein, with a cohort of 384 men, we performed mast cell subtyping and report that higher minimum number of the tryptase‐only (MCT) subset of extra‐tumoral mast cells is associated with increased risk of biochemical recurrence (comparing highest to lowest tertiles: HR 2.32, 95% CI 1.37–3.93; P‐trend = 0.002), metastases (HR 3.62, 95% CI 1.75–7.47; P‐trend 0.001), and death from prostate cancer (HR 2.87, 95% CI 1.19–6.95; P‐trend = 0.02). Preliminary RNA sequencing and comparison of benign versus cancer tissue mast cells revealed differential expression of additional site‐specific genes. We further demonstrate that the genes CXCR4 and TFE3 are more highly expressed in tumor‐infiltrating mast cells as well as other tumor‐infiltrating immune cells and in tumor cells, respectively, and represent an altered tumor microenvironment. KIT variants were also differentially expressed in benign versus cancer tissue mast cells, with KIT variant 1 (GNNK+) mast cells identified as more prevalent in extra‐tumoral regions of the prostate. Finally, using an established mouse model, we found that mast cells do not infiltrate Hi‐Myc tumors, providing a model to specifically examine the role of extra‐tumoral mast cells in tumorigenesis. Hi‐Myc mice crossed to mast cell knockout (Wsh) mice and aged to 1 year revealed a higher degree of pre‐invasive lesions and invasive cancer in wild‐type mice versus heterozygous and knockout mice. This suggests a dosage effect where higher numbers of extra‐tumoral mast cells resulted in higher cancer invasion. Overall, our studies provide further evidence for a role of extra‐tumoral mast cells in driving adverse prostate cancer outcomes. © 2020 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The intra‐hepatic umbilical‐Porto‐systemic venous shunt and fetal growth
Authors: Kivilevitch Zvi , Kassif Eran , Gilboa Yinon , Weisbuch Tal , Achiron Reuven 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe fetal liver circulation has an important role in fetal growth. The intra‐hepatic Umbilical‐Porto‐Systemic Venous Shunt (IHUPSVS) causes a reduction of the umbilical blood flow to the liver and has been reported to have a restrictive effect on fetal growth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of IHUPSVS on fetal growth.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of IHUPSVS diagnosed between 2001 and 2019. IHUPSVS was defined as any abnormal communication between any branch of the portal vein and hepatic vein. Pre‐ and postnatal characteristics were collected from medical files and compared between cases with fetal growth restriction (FGR) and those appropriate for gestational age (AGA).ResultsTwenty‐five fetuses were included in the study. Eighteen (72%) had last estimated fetal weight and birth weight below the 10th centile, four (16%) of them between the third and fifth centile, and 11 (44%) below the third centile. Median gestational age at delivery was lower for FGR than AGA fetuses (37 vs. 38 weeks, p = 0.034) and rate of preterm delivery was higher (38.9 vs. 14.3, P = 0.24). Four cases had associated structural anomalies (2 in each group), and two had minor genetic aberrations (1 in each group).ConclusionsGrowth restriction is prevalent in fetuses with IHUPSVS, suggesting that fetal growth should be monitored. In equal measure, in cases with growth restriction, especially without other apparent cause, an intrahepatic shunt should be looked for.
Preclinical stem cell therapy in fetuses with myelomeningocele: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kunpalin Yada , Subramaniam Sindhu , Perin Silvia , Gerli Mattia F. M. , Bosteels Jan , Ourselin Sebastien , Deprest Jan , De Coppi Paolo , David Anna L. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveWe performed a systematic review to summarize the efficacy and safety of in utero stem cells application in preclinical models with myelomeningocele (MMC).MethodsThe study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019160399). We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and CENTRAL for publications articles on stem cell therapy in animal fetuses with MMC until May 2020. Publication quality was assessed by the SYRCLE's tool. Meta‐analyses were pooled if studies were done in the same animal model providing similar type of stem cell used and outcome measurements. Narrative synthesis was performed for studies that could not be pooled.ResultsNineteen and seven studies were included in narrative and quantitative syntheses, respectively. Most used mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and primarily involved ovine and rodent models. Both intra‐amniotic injection of allogeneic amniotic fluid (AF)‐MSCs in rat MMC model and the application of human placental (P)‐MSCs to the spinal cord during fetal surgery in MMC ovine model did not compromise fetal survival rates at term (rat model, relative risk [RR] 1.03, 95% CI 0.92–1.16; ovine model, RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.78–1.13). A single intra‐amniotic injection of allogeneic AF‐MSCs into rat MMC model was associated with a higher rate of complete defect coverage compared to saline injection (RR 16.35, 95% CI 3.27–81.79). The incorporation of human P‐MSCs as a therapeutic adjunct to fetal surgery in the ovine MMC model significantly improved sheep locomotor rating scale after birth (mean difference 5.18, 95% CI 3.36–6.99).ConclusionsStem cell application during prenatal period in preclinical animal models is safe and effective.
Livesley's lament on classifying personality pathology: A commentary
Authors: Clark Lee Anna 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis commentary on Livesley's paper in this special issue on International Classification of Diseases (ICD)‐11's personality disorder (PD) section addresses each of four issues that Livesley claims are impeding progress towards an evidence‐based system for the classification of personality pathology. I focus my commentary on the third issue, but also comment briefly on the others. Regarding, first, the complexity of personality pathology and, second, problematic assumptions about the nature of personality pathology, I contend that Livesley's comments are accurate, but omit that the fundamental impediment is the refusal of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) establishment to allow the official classification to reflect the reality of personality pathology that he describes, in contrast to its acceptance in the ICD‐11. In response to Livesley's third claim that a viable alternative to categorical diagnosis is not available, I take issue with various aspects of his assertions and develop arguments that the ICD‐11 PD model provides a useful, although admittedly imperfect, system. Finally, I agree with Livesley that the revision processes for official classifications are conservative and open to non‐scientific influences, but maintain that whereas the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders establishment held fast to the status quo, the ICD‐11 PD Working Group made considerable progress towards a valid PD diagnostic system. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.