bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chinese herbal medicine Shenzhuo Formula treatment in patients with macroalbuminuria secondary to diabetic kidney disease: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhao Xue-min , Zhang Ying , He Xin-hui , Chen Hong-dong , Wang Zhu-feng , Guo Jing , Wang Xin-miao , Gao Ze-zheng , Wang Ji-ping , Liu Wei , Zhao Lin-hua , Tong Xiao-lin 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a serious complication associated with diabetes mellitus and can cause end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widely used in China to treat DKD, and in particular microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria. This study will address the efficacy and safety of Shenzhuo Formula (SZF), a frequently prescribed TCM, in DKD patients with macroalbuminuria.

Methods/design
This study is a 24-week, randomized, multi-center, double-blinded, double-dummy, controlled, clinical trial that will include 120 DKD patients aged 18 to 80 years old with a 24-h urinary protein (24-h UP) level of between 0.5 g and 3 g and serum creatinine (SCr) ≤ 133 μmol/L (1.5 mg/dL) and compare SZF to irbesartan. The 24-h UP change from baseline to week 24 will represent the primary endpoint with secondary endpoints including SCr, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), TCM symptoms, urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER), etc. Safety assessments will also be evaluated.

Discussion
This study will provide initial evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of SZF relative to irbesartan in the treatment of DKD patients with macroalbuminuria.

Trial registration
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ID: ChiCTR-ICR-15006311. Registered on 15 April 2015.
The dye-sensitized solar cell database
Authors: Venkatraman Vishwesh , Raju Rajesh , Oikonomopoulos Solon P. , Alsberg Bjørn K. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background
Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have garnered a lot of attention in recent years. The solar energy to power conversion efficiency of a DSSC is influenced by various components of the cell such as the dye, electrolyte, electrodes and additives among others leading to varying experimental configurations. A large number of metal-based and metal-free dye sensitizers have now been reported and tools using such data to indicate new directions for design and development are on the rise.

Description
DSSCDB, the first of its kind dye-sensitized solar cell database, aims to provide users with up-to-date information from publications on the molecular structures of the dyes, experimental details and reported measurements (efficiencies and spectral properties) and thereby facilitate a comprehensive and critical evaluation of the data. Currently, the DSSCDB contains over 4000 experimental observations spanning multiple dye classes such as triphenylamines, carbazoles, coumarins, phenothiazines, ruthenium and porphyrins.

Conclusion
The DSSCDB offers a web-based, comprehensive source of property data for dye sensitized solar cells. Access to the database is available through the following URL: www.dyedb.com.
Prevalence and molecular characterization of Staphylococcus aureus from human stool samples
Authors: Kates A. E. , Thapaliya D. , Smith T. C. , Chorazy M. L. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Background
To determine the prevalence of intestinal S. aureus colonization of patients at a large teaching hospital and determine the molecular characteristics of the identified strains. The second objective of this research was to determine risk factors associated with S. aureus intestinal colonization.

Methods
A cross-sectional study of 781 specimens from inpatients and outpatients at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Clinical Microbiology Laboratory was conducted. S. aureus was identified using traditional culture methodologies. Methicillin-resistance was determined via PCR of the mecA gene. PVL PCR, spa typing, and antimicrobial sensitivity testing were also done. A nested case-control study was done on a subset of patients with all colonized patients defined as cases and non-colonized controls. Medical record abstractions were done to identify risk factors for intestinal colonization in the nested study.

Results
Out of 625 patients included in the final study, 58 were positive for S. aureus (9.3%). One isolate was positive for the PVL gene. A high number of isolates were resistant to multiple antibiotics including oxacillin (43.1%), erythromycin (51.7%), and levofloxacin (41.4%). All isolates were susceptible to vancomycin, daptomycin, linezolid, and quinupristin-dalfopristin. In the nested study, having a disease or condition of the gastrointestinal tract significantly increased the odds of intestinal colonization (OR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.04–3.7; aOR: 13.9, 95% CI: 1.67–115.7). No other variables were significantly associated with increased odds of colonization.

Conclusions
S. aureus was identified from the stool of patients at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, with a large number of those isolates being resistant to antibiotics and may serve a reservoir for subsequent infections as well as asymptomatic transmission.
Youth minimum wages and youth employment
Authors: Marimpi Maria , Koning Pierre 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis paper performs a cross-country level analysis on the impact of the level of specific youth minimum wages on the labor market performance of young individuals. We use information on the use and level of youth minimum wages, as compared to the level of adult minimum wages as well as to the median wage (i.e., the Kaitz index). We complement these data with variables on the employment, labor force participation, and unemployment rates of 5-year age interval categories—all derived from the official OECD database. We distinguish between countries without minimum wages, countries with uniform minimum wages for all age groups, and countries with separate youth and adult minimum wages. Our results indicate that the relative employment rates of young individuals below the age of 25—as compared to the older workers—in countries with youth minimum wages are close to those in countries without minimum wages at all. Turning to the smaller sample of countries with minimum wages, increases in the level of (youth) minimum wages exert a substantial negative impact on the employment rate for young individuals.JEL Classification:J21, J23, J31
Submental liposuction for the management of lymphedema following head and neck cancer treatment: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Alamoudi Uthman , Taylor Benjamin , MacKay Colin , Rigby Matthew H. , Hart Robert , Trites Jonathan R. B. , Taylor S. Mark 
Published: April 2018

Background Patients who have undergone treatment for head and neck cancer are at risk for neck lymphedema, which can severely affect quality of life. Liposuction has been used successfully in cancer patients who suffer from post-treatment limb lymphedema. The purpose of our study was to review the outcomes of head and neck cancer patients at our center who have undergone submental liposuction for post-treatment lymphedema and compare their subsequent results with a control group. Methods All head and neck cancer patients at an oncology center in tertiary hospital setting who complained to their attending surgeon or radiation oncologist regarding cervical lymphedema secondary to head and neck cancer treatment, and had been disease-free for a minimum of one year, with no previous facial plastic surgical procedures were eligible for inclusion into the study. Study design was a non-blinded randomized controlled trial. Twenty patients were randomized into a treatment arm (underwent submental liposuction n = 10) and control arm (n = 10). Both groups of patients completed two surveys (Modified Blepharoplasty Outcome Evaluation and the validated Derriford Appearance Scale) on initial office visit after consenting for the trial. The treatment group then completed the surveys 6 months post-operatively while the control group filled the surveys 6 months after the initial assessment but had no intervention. Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to compare the responses of those that did and did not receive liposuction. Results Our study demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in patients’ self-perception of appearance and statistically significant subjective scoring of appearance following submental liposuction. Conclusions Submental liposuction is an effective and safe procedure to improves the quality of life for head and neck cancer patients suffering from post-treatment lymphedema.
Predicting complications of major head and neck oncological surgery: An evaluation of the ACS NSQIP surgical risk calculator
Authors: Vosler Peter S. , Orsini Mario , Enepekides Danny J. , Higgins Kevin M. 
Published: April 2018

Background The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) universal surgical risk calculator is an online tool intended to improve the informed consent process and surgical decision-making. The risk calculator uses a database of information from 585 hospitals to predict a patient's risk of developing specific postoperative outcomes. Methods Patient records at a major Canadian tertiary care referral center between July 2015 and March 2017 were reviewed for surgical cases including one of six major head and neck oncologic surgeries: total thyroidectomy, total laryngectomy, hemiglossectomy, partial glossectomy, laryngopharyngectomy, and composite resection. Preoperative information for 107 patients was entered into the risk calculator and compared to observed postoperative outcomes. Statistical analysis of the risk calculator was completed for the entire study population, for stratification by procedure, and by utilization of microvascular reconstruction. Accuracy was assessed using the ratio of predicted to observed outcomes, Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC), Brier score, and the Wilcoxon signed–ranked test. Results The risk calculator accurately predicted the incidences for 11 of 12 outcomes for patients that did not undergo free flap reconstruction (NFF group), but was less accurate for patients that underwent free flap reconstruction (FF group). Length of stay (LOS) analysis showed similar results, with predicted and observed LOS statistically different in the overall population and FF group analyses ( p = 0.001 for both), but not for the NFF group analysis ( p = 0.764). All outcomes in the NFF group, when analyzed for calibration, met the threshold value (Brier scores < 0.09). Risk predictions for 8 of 12, and 10 of 12 outcomes were adequately calibrated in the FF group and the overall study population, respectively. Analyses by procedure were excellent, with the risk calculator showing adequate calibration for 7 of 8 procedural categories and adequate discrimination for all calculable categories (6 of 6). Conclusion The NSQIP-RC demonstrated efficacy for predicting postoperative complications in head and neck oncology surgeries that do not require microvascular reconstruction. The predictive value of the metric can be improved by inclusion of several factors important for risk stratification in head and neck oncology.
Investigating the effect of artists’ paint formulation on degradation rates of TiO2-based oil paints
Authors: van Driel B. A. , van den Berg K. J. , Smout M. , Dekker N. , Kooyman P. J. , Dik J. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
This study reports on the effect of artists’ paint formulation on degradation rates of TiO2-based oil paints. Titanium white oil paint exists in a multitude of different recipes, and the effect of the formulation on photocatalytic binder degradation kinetics is unknown. These formulations contain, among others, one or both titanium dioxide polymorphs, zinc oxide, the extenders barium sulfate or calcium carbonate and various additives. Most research performed on the photocatalytic degradation process focusses on pure titanium white-binder mixtures and thus does not take into account the complete paint system. Since photocatalytic oil degradation is a process initiated by the absorption of UV light, any ingredient or combination of ingredients influencing the light scattering and absorption properties of the paint films may affect the degradation rate. In this study three sets of experiments are conducted, designed using the design of experiments (DoE) approach, to screen for the most important formulation factors influencing the degradation rate. The benefits of using DoE, compared to a more traditional ‘one factor at a time approach’ are robustness, sample efficiency, the ability of evaluate mixtures of multiple components as well as the ability to evaluate factor interactions. The three sets of experiments investigate (1) the influence of the TiO2 type, (2) the impact of different mixtures of two types of TiO2, ZnO and the additive aluminum stearate and (3) the influence of common extenders in combination with photocatalytic TiO2, on the photocatalytic degradation of the oil binder. The impact of the formulation on the degradation rate became apparent, indicating the shortcoming of oversimplified studies. The protective effect of photostable TiO2 pigments, even in a mixture with photocatalytic TiO2 pigments, as well as the negative effect of extenders was demonstrated. Furthermore, the ambiguous role of ZnO (photocatalytic or not) and aluminum stearate is highlighted. Neither can be ignored in a study of degradation behavior of modern oil paints and require further investigation.
Two-dimensional material-based bionano platforms to control mesenchymal stem cell differentiation
Authors: Kang Ee-Seul , Kim Da-Seul , Suhito Intan Rosalina , Lee Wanhee , Song Inbeom , Kim Tae-Hyung 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Background
In the past decade, stem cells, with their ability to differentiate into various types of cells, have been proven to be resourceful in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Despite the ability to repair damaged parts of organs and tissues, the use of stem cells still entails several limitations, such as low differentiation efficiency and difficulties in guiding differentiation. To address these limitations, nanotechnology approaches have been recently implemented in stem cell research. It has been discovered that stem cells, in combination with carbon-based functional materials, show enhanced regenerative performances in varying biophysical conditions. In particular, several studies have reported solutions to the conventional quandaries in biomedical engineering, using synergetic effects of nanohybrid materials, as well as further development of technologies to recover from diverse health conditions such as bone fracture and strokes.

Main text
In this review, we discuss several prior studies regarding the application of various nanomaterials in controlling the behavior of stem cells. We focus on the potential of different types of nanomaterials, such as two-dimensional materials, gold nanoparticles, and three-dimensional nanohybrid composites, to control the differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). These materials have been found to affect stem cell functions via the adsorption of growth/differentiation factors on the surfaces of nanomaterials and the activation of signaling pathways that are mostly related to cell adhesion and differentiation (e.g., FAK, Smad, Erk, and Wnt).

Conclusion
Controlling stem cell differentiation using biophysical factors, especially the use of nanohybrid materials to functionalize underlying substrates wherein the cells attach and grow, is a promising strategy to achieve cells of interest in a highly efficient manner. We hope that this review will facilitate the use of other types of newly discovered and/or synthesized nanomaterials (e.g., metal transition dichalcogenides, non-toxic quantum dots, and metal oxide frameworks) for stem cell-based regenerative therapies.
RETRACTED – Mental health in UK Biobank: development, implementation and results from an online questionnaire completed by 157 366 participants
Authors: Davis Katrina A. S. , Coleman Jonathan R. I. , Adams Mark , Allen Naomi , Breen Gerome , Cullen Breda , Dickens Chris , Fox Elaine , Graham Nick , Holliday Jo , Howard Louise M. , John Ann , Lee William , McCabe Rose , McIntosh Andrew , Pearsall Robert , Smith Daniel J. , Sudlow Cathie , Ward Joey , Zammit Stan , Hotopf Matthew 
Published: April 2018

Background
UK Biobank is a well-characterised cohort of over 500 000 participants that offers unique opportunities to investigate multiple diseases and risk factors.

Aims
An online mental health questionnaire completed by UK Biobank participants was expected to expand the potential for research into mental disorders.

Method
An expert working group designed the questionnaire, using established measures where possible, and consulting with a patient group regarding acceptability. Case definitions were defined using operational criteria for lifetime depression, mania, anxiety disorder, psychotic-like experiences and self-harm, as well as current post-traumatic stress and alcohol use disorders.

Results
157 366 completed online questionnaires were available by August 2017. Comparison of self-reported diagnosed mental disorder with a contemporary study shows a similar prevalence, despite respondents being of higher average socioeconomic status than the general population across a range of indicators. Thirty-five per cent (55 750) of participants had at least one defined syndrome, of which lifetime depression was the most common at 24% (37 434). There was extensive comorbidity among the syndromes. Mental disorders were associated with high neuroticism score, adverse life events and long-term illness; addiction and bipolar affective disorder in particular were associated with measures of deprivation.

Conclusions
The questionnaire represents a very large mental health survey in itself, and the results presented here show high face validity, although caution is needed owing to selection bias. Built into UK Biobank, these data intersect with other health data to offer unparalleled potential for crosscutting biomedical research involving mental health.

Declaration of interest
G.B. received grants from the National Institute for Health Research during the study; and support from Illumina Ltd. and the European Commission outside the submitted work. B.C. received grants from the Scottish Executive Chief Scientist Office and from The Dr Mortimer and Theresa Sackler Foundation during the study. C.S. received grants from the Medical Research Council and Wellcome Trust during the study, and is the Chief Scientist for UK Biobank. M.H. received grants from the Innovative Medicines Initiative via the RADAR-CNS programme and personal fees as an expert witness outside the submitted work.
Vascular Disorders of the Spinal Cord
Authors: Kramer Christopher L. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Prompt recognition and timely management of vascular disorders of the spinal cord can improve patient outcomes. This article provides contemporary and practical knowledge about the most common vascular myelopathies.

RECENT FINDINGS
New studies have provided additional information on the risk factors and impact of neurologic monitoring on perioperative spinal cord infarction. Additionally, recent publications have provided information on the impact of misdiagnosis, corticosteroid treatment, and postoperative prognosis in the treatment of spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas and have discussed the outcome of patients with spinal arteriovenous malformations treated with embolization, surgery, and stereotactic radiosurgery. Finally, recent studies have provided information on the natural history and postoperative prognosis of spinal cavernous malformations and on the risk factors and surgical outcome of patients with spinal epidural hematomas.

SUMMARY
Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges are inherent in managing patients with vascular disorders of the spinal cord, and clinicians should have a thorough understanding of these disorders to facilitate optimal outcomes for patients with these potentially devastating illnesses. This article begins by reviewing functional vascular anatomy and subsequently describes the fundamental characteristics of both ischemic and hemorrhagic vascular myelopathies to equip clinicians with the knowledge to avoid common pitfalls.
Seh1 targets GATOR2 and Nup153 to mitotic chromosomes
Authors: Platani Melpomeni , Samejima Itaru , Samejima Kumiko , Kanemaki Masato T. , Earnshaw William C. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT
In metazoa, the Nup107 complex (also known as the nucleoporin Y-complex) plays a major role in formation of the nuclear pore complex in interphase and is localised to kinetochores in mitosis. The Nup107 complex shares a single highly conserved subunit, Seh1 (also known as SEH1L in mammals) with the GATOR2 complex, an essential activator of mTORC1 kinase. mTORC1/GATOR2 has a central role in the coordination of cell growth and proliferation. Here, we use chemical genetics and quantitative chromosome proteomics to study the role of the Seh1 protein in mitosis. Surprisingly, Seh1 is not required for the association of the Nup107 complex with mitotic chromosomes, but it is essential for the association of both the GATOR2 complex and nucleoporin Nup153 with mitotic chromosomes. Our analysis also reveals a role for Seh1 at human centromeres, where it is required for efficient localisation of the chromosomal passenger complex (CPC). Furthermore, this analysis detects a functional interaction between the Nup107 complex and the small kinetochore protein SKAP (also known as KNSTRN).
Highly Efficient Utilization of Soluble Fe in the Removal of Arsenic during Oxidative Flocculation of Fe(II)
Authors: Zhang Xuezhi , Jia Shaoyi , Song Jia , Wu Songhai , Han Xu 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
Flocculation using Fe(II) instead of Fe(III) has been considered more efficient in the removal of As. However, excess Fe(II) used in the process always leaves substantial TFe [Fe(II)+Fe(III)] unutilized. We therefore developed three methods [the one-staged process (OS), the one-staged process with H2O2 (OSH) and the two-staged process (TS)] to remove As(III)/As(V) by Fe(II) (Fe:As = 2.0). Our results indicate that pH is an important factor that determines the utilization efficiency of TFe and the removal efficiency of As. In OS, the initial pH was adjusted before the reaction. At the optimal pHs of 10.0 and 11.0, the removal efficiencies of As(V) and TAs [As(III)+As(V)] could reach 84.0% and 66.7%, with only 61.9% and 80.2% TFe being utilized, respectively. In OSH, H2O2 was added after pH adjustment. After OS, pH was re-adjusted to the optimal values before the next 30 min reaction (TS). Compared with OS, the removal efficiencies of As could increase by more than 9% in OSH and TS at the optimal pHs. Besides, there is more than 10% improvement in the utilization efficiencies of TFe except at 12.0. Accelerating oxidation of Fe(II) or re-adjusting pH is therefore highly efficient for a more efficient removal of As from Fe(II)-rich groundwater.
Lead Halide Perovskites in Thin Film Photovoltaics: Background and Perspectives
Authors: Miyasaka Tsutomu 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis review describes the background of our discovery of hybrid perovskite materials as photovoltaic absorbers and the progresses in high efficiency perovskite photovoltaics with focus on solution processes to control quality of polycrystalline layers and low temperature metal oxide preparation for fabrication of thin flexible devices. Future directions of research are discussed including the potential of efficiency enhancement to the Shockley–Queisser limit with single high-voltage devices and environmental issues and solutions towards industrialization of lead halide-based devices.