bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of therapeutic plasma exchange for pediatric neurological diseases
Authors: Ipe Tina S. , Meyer Erin K. , Sanford Kimberly W. , Joshi Sarita K. , Wong Edward C. C. , Raval Jay S. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTherapeutic plasma exchange is used to treat neurological diseases in the pediatric population. Since its first use in pediatric patients with hepatic coma in the form of manual whole blood exchange, therapeutic plasma exchange has been increasingly used to treat these disorders of the nervous system. This expansion is a result of improved techniques and apheresis instruments suitable for small children, as well as the recognition of its applicability to many diseases in the pediatric population. This review provides a historical overview of the use of therapeutic apheresis in children and highlights the most common applications for therapeutic plasma exchange to treat neurological disorders in children.
Application and implication of scanning electron microscopy for evaluation of palyno‐morphological features of Vitaceae from Pakistan
Authors: Lubna  , Zafar Muhammad , Ahmad Mushtaq , Shah Ghulam Mujtaba , Khan Amir Muhammad , Kilic Omer , Yilmaz Erkan , Ozdemir Fethi A. , Ali Muhammad Ishtiaq , Shah Muhammad Ajmal , Sultana Shazia , Ahmad Shabir 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe present study aimed to investigate the palyno‐morphological features of species of family Vitaceae from Pakistan. A total of nine species, belonging to four genera were collected, pressed, identified, and then analyzed microscopically. Both quantitative and qualitative characters of the pollen grains were recorded including polar and equatorial diameter, P/E ratio, number of colpi and pores, exine thickness and shapes of the pollen in both polar and equatorial view, and exine sculpturing using Leica microscope fitted with camera Meiji Infinity 1 and then analyzed statistically using software IBM SPSS Statistics 20. The results of the present study demonstrated the variations in polar and equatorial diameter, exine thickness, P/E ratio, pollen shape, and exine sculpturing of the studied species and highlighted the significance of pollen morphology as an identification tool. The present study may contribute to better understand the classification at genus level, which will support the future phylogenetic characterization of the family.
Quantification of Myocardial Perfusion With Vasodilation Using Arterial Spin Labeling at 1.5T
Authors: Aramendía‐Vidaurreta Verónica , Echeverría‐Chasco Rebeca , Vidorreta Marta , Bastarrika Gorka , Fernández‐Seara María A. 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundMyocardial perfusion is evaluated in first‐pass MRI using a gadolinium‐based contrast agent, which limits its repeatability and restricts its use in patients with abnormal kidney function. Arterial spin labeling (ASL) is a promising technique for measuring myocardial perfusion without contrast injection. The ratio of stress to rest perfusion, termed myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR), is an indicator of the severity of stenosis in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).PurposeTo quantify perfusion increases with pharmacological vasodilation, explore MPR differences between segments with and without perfusion defects, and examine the correlations between quantitative ASL and semiquantitative first‐pass measurements.Study TypeProspective.SubjectsSixteen patients with suspected CAD: 10 classified as “healthy,” having normal perfusion on first‐pass and no enhancement on late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), and six as “nonhealthy,” having hypoperfused segments including ischemic and infarcted.Field Strength/SequenceFlow‐sensitive alternating inversion recovery (FAIR) rest–stress cardiac ASL with balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP), rest–stress first‐pass imaging using gradient‐echo and LGE using a phase‐sensitive inversion‐recovery bSSFP at 1.5T.AssessmentFor healthy subjects, rest–stress perfusion data were compared in global, coronary artery territory, and segment regions of interest (ROIs). A segmental MPR comparison was performed between normal segments from healthy subjects and abnormal segments from nonhealthy subjects. Correlations between ASL and first‐pass parameters were explored.Statistical TestsWilcoxon‐signed‐rank test, nonparametric factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson's/Spearman's correlations.ResultsPerfusion increases were significant globally (P = 0.005), per coronary artery territory (P = 0.015), and per segment (P = 0.03 for all segments in ASL and first‐pass, except anteroseptal in ASL P = 0.04). MPR differences between normal and abnormal segments were significant (P = 0.0028: ASL, P = 0.033: first‐pass). ASL and first‐pass measurements were correlated (MPR: r = 0.64, P = 0.008 and perfusion: rho = 0.47, P = 0.007).Data ConclusionThis study demonstrates the feasibility of ASL to detect hyperemia, the potential to differentiate segments with and without perfusion defects, and significant correlations between ASL and semiquantitative first‐pass.Level of Evidence2Technical Efficacy Stage1
Efficacy of N‐acetylcysteine in the prevention of alcohol relapse‐like drinking: Study in long‐term ethanol‐experienced male rats
Authors: Cano‐Cebrián María José , Fernández‐Rodríguez Sandra , Hipólito Lucia , Granero Luis , Polache Ana , Zornoza Teodoro 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAlcohol use disorders are chronic and highly relapsing disorders, thus alcoholic patients have a high rate of recidivism for drug use even after long periods of abstinence. The literature points to the potential usefulness of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) in the management of several substance use disorders probably due to its capacity to restore brain homeostasis of the glutamate system disrupted in addiction. However, there is little evidence in the case of alcohol. The aim of this study was to explore the potential anti‐relapse efficacy of NAC using the alcohol deprivation effect (ADE) model in long‐term experienced rats. Two experiments were performed in male Wistar rats to: (a) test the efficacy of NAC to prevent relapse and (b) discriminate the best administration schedule (intermittent vs. continuous) for NAC. In the first experiment, animals were implanted with mini‐osmotic pumps delivering 0 or 1 mg/hr NAC during 14 days. In a second experiment, rats received 0, 60, or 100 mg/kg once daily by subcutaneous injection. The efficacy to prevent ADE was evaluated in both experiments. NAC subcutaneously administered, either by continuous infusion or by intermittent injections regimen, is able to block the ADE. The best results were obtained after using 60 mg/kg NAC dose. Our findings support the hypothesis that NAC may represent a valuable therapy in the management of alcohol relapse.
Force‐deflection behavior of NiTi archwire at different configurations of bracket system
Authors: Ahmad M.N. , Mahmud A.S. , Razali M.F. , Mokhtar N. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractNiTi shape memory alloy archwire is widely used in orthodontic treatment, replacing stainless steel for the flat and low deactivation force it can offer. However, the presence of friction at the contact region of wire and bracket may cause the low deactivation force to be ineffective to induce tooth movement. This work evaluated the bending deformation behavior of NiTi archwire in application using conventional orthodontic stainless steel bracket in levelling treatment. Experimental test rig was developed to perform three‐brackets bending test at room temperatures (27 °C). The bracket used was 0.022‐in stainless steel and the archwire was 0.016‐in NiTi round wire. Fabricated polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) bracket was used as a control experiment to represent frictionless condition of deformation on three‐bracket bending. Additionally, elastomeric ligature was also used to evaluate the effect of friction produced by the elastomer. Bending tests were done at 3 different deflection magnitudes of 2 mm, 3 mm and 4 mm. The results show that bending deformation behavior of the wire on frictionless Teflon bracket produced a flat force plateau on both activation and deactivation. On the other hand, when stainless steel brackets were used, the force plateau exhibited positive gradient on the activation and negative gradient on the deactivation.
A Diet‐Dependent Microbiota Profile Associated with Incident Type 2 Diabetes: From the CORDIOPREV Study
Authors: Camargo Antonio , Vals‐Delgado Cristina , Alcala‐Diaz Juan F. , Villasanta‐Gonzalez Alejandro , Gomez‐Delgado Francisco , Haro Carmen , Leon‐Acuña Ana , Cardelo Magdalena P. , Torres‐Peña Jose D. , Guler Ipek , Malagon Maria M. , Ordovas Jose M. , Perez‐Martinez Pablo , Delgado‐Lista Javier , Lopez‐Miranda Jose 
Published: October 2020

ScopeThe differences between the baseline gut microbiota of patients who developed type 2 diabetes (T2D) consuming a low‐fat (LF) or a Mediterranean (Med) diet are explored and risk scores are developed to predict the individual risk of developing T2D associated with the consumption of LF or Med diet.Methods and ResultsAll the patients from the CORDIOPREV study without T2D at baseline (n = 462) whose fecal sample are available, are included. Gut microbiota is analyzed by 16S sequencing and the risk of T2D after a median follow‐up of 60 months assessed by Cox analysis. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis shows a different baseline gut microbiota in patients who developed T2D consuming LF and Med diets. A higher abundance of Paraprevotella, and lower Gammaproteobacteria and B. uniformis are associated with T2D risk when an LF diet is consumed. In contrast, higher abundances of Saccharibacteria, Betaproteobacteria, and Prevotella are associated with T2D risk when a Med diet is consumed.ConclusionThe results suggest that different interactions between the microbiome and dietary patterns may partially determine the risk of T2D development, which may be used for selecting personalized dietary models to prevent T2D.
Kinetics and Mechanism Comparison between Cr/Ti‐Based Bimetallic and Ti‐Based Monometallic Catalysts for Ethylene Polymerization
Authors: Zhou Yi , He Xuelian , Liu Boping 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTwo (SiO2/MgR2/MgCl2)·TiClxmodel catalysts are made by refluxing TiCl4with 0.35 wt% Cr modified silica gel/alkyl Mg adducts or silica gel/alkyl Mg adducts, which are named as Cr/Ti‐based bimetallic Cat‐1 and Ti‐based monometallic Cat‐2, respectively. The kinetics, active center counting, morphology, and polymer characterizations are studied to disclose the effect of low loading Cr active sites on the Cr/Ti‐based bimetallic Cat‐1 polymerization under mild conditions. The activity of Cat‐1 is 120.4% higher than that of Cat‐2, with a 114.1% higher [C*]/[M] value. Morphology results show the Cat‐1 fragmentation in the first 3 min is highly accelerated, which helps to release buried clustered Ti sites. Differential scanning calorimetry results show that low‐temperature heat absorbing shoulder of polyethylene (PE) from Cat‐2 demonstrates the signal of low crystallinity polymer made by Cat‐2 during the first 60 s, verifying the fluffy polymer in morphology results. GPC results show PE from Cat‐1 has a higherMwin the first 3 min while a lowerMwin the end. The Cat‐1, which release active sites faster, has a highMwin the early time. LowerMwin the 900 s attributes to the effect of relative lowerMwpolymer made by Cr sites, compared with Cat‐2.
Active predictive vibration suppression algorithm for structural stability and tracking control of nonlinear multivariable continuum‐mechanics mobile systems
Authors: Homaeinezhad M. R. , FotoohiNia F. , Yaqubi S. 
Published: October 2020

SummaryThis article presents novel schemes using which a robustly stable and feasible optimal controller can be obtained for uncertain vibrational systems. Furthermore, the aforementioned objectives are satisfied solely employing a rigid approximation of continuum mechanics systems. Simultaneously, significant reductions in control complexity and computation burden are attained. On this basis, a new model predictive sliding mode control method for general class of continuum mechanics systems is developed. The control scheme is constructed based on a mathematical model corresponding to equivalent rigid representation of nonlinear flexible mechanism, considering that the partial differential equations (PDE) for original system may not be solvable using analytical approaches. The proposed method features a model predictive control (MPC) based on minimization of an optimization cost constituting predicted sliding functions over a finite prediction horizon. In order to mitigate undesired vibrational effects, control input weighting factor considered in calculation of cost is updated in every sample in accordance with intensity of vibrations observed through a limited number of acceleration sensors. Robust feasibility and stability of control algorithm in presence of modeling uncertainty are guaranteed based on investigation of a Lyapunov‐based terminal cost function within the assigned constraints. The performance of closed‐loop system in control of a flexible mechanism is evaluated for a multitude of reference signals. Simulations are conducted in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) environment utilizing ANSYS Mechanical APDL. Obtained results indicate superior performance in terms of tracking quality, closed‐loop stability, and mitigation of undesired vibrational effects in comparison with existing control schemes.
Effect of sulfonic acid‐functionalized polysilsesquioxane on new semifluorinated sulfonated polytriazole composites and investigation of proton exchange membrane properties
Authors: Saha Sayantani , Banerjee Susanta 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA new semifluorinated sulfonated copolytriazole is synthesized, maintaining a particular degree of sulfonation of 80% following the click reaction of two terminal azides 1,4‐bis‐[{2′‐trifluromethyl 4′‐(4″‐azidophenyl)phenoxy}]phenyl, and 4,4′‐diazido‐2,2′‐stilbenedisulfonic acid disodium salt with equal molar amounts of two dialkyne monomers namely, 1,3‐diethynylbenzene and 3,5‐bis(prop‐2‐ynyloxy)benzoic acid and designated as PTEHCSH‐80. Further, the copolytriazole is used to prepare polymer composites employing the sol‐gel reaction of the starting precursor sol 3‐(trihydroxylsilyl) propane‐1‐sulfonic acid. The weight percentage (wt%) of the filler is varied from 0 to 10 wt%, and a series of polymer composite films are prepared and abbreviated as PTEHCSH‐80/X (where X is wt% of the filler, X = 0. 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0). All the polymer composites are characterized through FTIR spectroscopic techniques. The composite films revealed various desirable properties such as high thermochemical and dimensional and mechanical stabilities in their corresponding acid form. Moreover, the composites exhibited proton conductivities ranging from 62 to 98, 117 to 182, and 131 to 195 mS/cm at three different temperatures 30°C, 80°C, and 90°C, respectively, in a hydrated state.
Study on the interfacial interactions and adhesion behaviors of various polymer‐metal interfaces in nano molding
Authors: Liu Donglei , Zhou Feng , Li HongChen , Xin Yong , Yi Zewei 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis study focuses on investigating interfacial interactions and the adhesion mechanism of polymer‐metal interfaces in nano‐molding. Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyamide 6 (PA6), and isotactic polypropylene (iPP) were chosen as candidate polymers, and aluminum (Al), and copper (Cu) were used as metal substrates. By establishing the metal matrix composed of a rectangular pit with length, width, and depth of 4.5, 4.5, and 2.0 nm, respectively, six paired polymer‐metal interfacial systems in a cuboid of 7.5 × 7.5 × 11.5 nm, consisting of metal, polymer, and vacuum layer (from bottom to top) were constructed. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to calculate interfacial interactions and bonding processes. Results showed that wall‐slip behavior was pronounced in nano‐molding. Viscoelasticity and polarity of the polymers played a crucial role in interfacial interactions, which guided the wall‐slip behavior and greatly affected the bolt performance. PA6 and PPS were more suitable for molding than iPP on both Al and Cu substrates. PA6 showed the best filling and bonding performances, followed by PPS, while iPP revealed the poorest performances. The Cu substrate exhibited better anchor strength and filling rate than Al substrates with the same polymer.
Risk of Venous Thromboembolism Associated With Tofacitinib and Baricitinib: A Systematic Review and Indirect Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Giménez Poderós Teresa , Gallardo Borge Sara , Vazquez‐Ferreiro Pedro 
Published: October 2020

To conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis investigating the effect of tofacitinib and baricitinib on venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk. Search of PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, LILACS, and Google Scholar databases to identify controlled observational and clinical trials reporting on adverse effects in patients treated with oral tofacitinib or baricitinib up to July 2020. The outcome measure was occurrence of VTE events. We analyzed 59 studies involving 14,335 patients treated with tofacitinib or baricitinib and 11,612 patients who received another active drug or placebo. The meta‐analysis showed an odds ratio (OR) for VTE events of 0.29 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.10–0.84) overall for tofacitinib based on data from 10 clinical trials with 15 treatment arms; similar ORs were observed for the 10 mg/d dose (OR = 0.18; 95% CI = 0.02–1.60) and the 20 mg/d dose (OR = 0.19; 95% CI = 0.04–0.91). The ORs for VTE events for baricitinib were 3.39 (95% CI = 0.82–14.04) overall, 3.05 (95% CI = 0.12–75.43) for 2 mg, 3.64 (95% CI = 0.59–22.46) for 4 mg, and 3.0 (95% CI = 0.12–76.49) for 7 mg. The indirect meta‐analysis comparing tofacitinib with baricitinib (10 clinical trials with 15 treatment arms) showed an OR for VTE events of 0.086 (95% CI = 0.02–0.51) for tofacitinib and a superior safety profile for VTE events. In the meta‐regression analysis (19 clinical trials with 21 treatment arms), the effect was 0.02 (95% CI = −0.04 to 0.08) for tofacitinib and −0.01 (95% CI = −1.29 to 1.26 for baricitinib. Plotting of the data for tofacitinib showed that VTE risk increased with high doses. The effect, however, was less than 1 for the 10‐mg and 20‐mg doses, indicating a protective effect. This effect was not observed for baricitinib. Tofacitinib is not associated with an increased risk of VTE and has a superior safety profile to baricitinib in this respect. Tofacitinib may exert a protective effect against VTE.
Using Child‐Pugh Class to Optimize Voriconazole Dosage Regimens and Improve Safety in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: Insights from a Population Pharmacokinetic Model‐based Analysis
Authors: Wang Taotao , Yan Miao , Tang Dan , Dong Yuzhu , Zhu Li , Du Qian , Sun Dan , Xing Jianfeng , Dong Yalin 
Published: October 2020

BackgroundCirrhotic patients are at a high risk of fungal infections. Voriconazole is widely used as prophylaxis and in the treatment of invasive fungal disease. However, the safety, pharmacokinetics, and optimal regimens of voriconazole are currently not well defined in cirrhotic patients.DesignRetrospective pharmacokinetics study.SettingTwo large, academic, tertiary‐care medical center.PatientsTwo hundred nineteen plasma trough concentrations (Cmin) from 120 cirrhotic patients and 83 plasma concentrations from 11 non‐cirrhotic patients were included.MethodsData pertaining to voriconazole were collected retrospectively. A population pharmacokinetics analysis was performed and model‐based simulation was used to optimize voriconazole dosage regimens.ResultsVoriconazole‐related adverse events (AEs) developed in 29 cirrhotic patients, and the thresholdCminfor AE was 5.12 mg/L. A two‐compartment model with first‐order elimination adequately described the data. The Child‐Pugh class and body weight were the significant covariates in the final model. Voriconazole clearance in non‐cirrhotic, Child‐Pugh class A and B cirrhotic (CP‐A/B) and Child‐Pugh class C cirrhotic (CP‐C) patients was 7.59, 1.86, and 0.93 L/hour, respectively. The central distribution volume and peripheral distribution volume was 100.8 and 55.2 L, respectively. The oral bioavailability was 91.6%. Model‐based simulations showed that a loading dose regimen of 200 mg/12 hours intravenously or orally led to 65.0–75.7% of voriconazoleCminin therapeutic range on day 1, and the appropriate maintenance dosage regimens were 75 mg/12 hours and 150 mg/24 hours intravenously or orally for CP‐A/B patients, and 50 mg/12 hours and 100 mg/24 hours intravenously or orally for CP‐C patients. The predicted probability of achieving the therapeutic target concentration for optimized regimens at steady‐state was 66.8–72.3% for CP‐A/B patients and 70.3–74.0% for CP‐C patients.ConclusionsThese results recommended that the halved loading dose regimens should be used, and voriconazole maintenance doses in cirrhotic patients should be reduced to one‐fourth for CP‐C patients and to one‐third for CP‐A/B patients compared to that for patients with normal liver function.
Negative cancer beliefs: Socioeconomic differences from the awareness and beliefs about cancer survey
Authors: Sarma Elizabeth A. , Quaife Samantha L. , Rendle Katharine A. , Kobrin Sarah C. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveSocioeconomic gaps in cancer mortality may be driven partially by poorer uptake of early detection behaviors among lower socioeconomic status (SES) groups. Lower SES groups may hold both fewer positive and more negative cancer beliefs that discourage these behaviors. We examined SES differences in positive and negative cancer beliefs in US adults.MethodsWe conducted telephone interviews with a population‐representative sample, aged 50+, using the Awareness and Beliefs about Cancer instrument (N = 1425). Cancer beliefs were measured using three positively and three negatively framed items. We used multivariable logistic regression models to examine associations between beliefs and education, which served as a marker of individual‐level SES.ResultsAgreement with positive statements was high (>80%) and did not vary with education, while agreement with negative statements varied. Relative to adults with a bachelor's degree, adults with a high school degree or less were more likely to agree that “treatment is worse than cancer” (45.2% vs. 68.2%; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.43, 99% CI = 1.50–3.94), cancer is “a death sentence” (17.4% vs. 33.2%; aOR = 2.51, 99% CI = 1.45–4.37), and they “would not want to know if I have cancer” (15.7% vs. 31.6%; aOR = 2.88, 99% CI = 1.54–5.36).ConclusionsPositive cancer statements were generally endorsed, but negative statements were more frequently endorsed by lower SES groups. Additional work is needed to understand how negative beliefs develop and coexist alongside positive beliefs. Interventions to improve detection behaviors targeting lower SES groups may benefit from focusing on reducing negative beliefs, rather than increasing positive beliefs.