bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patterns, pace, and processes of water‐quality variability in a long‐studied estuary
Authors: Cloern James E. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractEnvironmental time series have rich information content that is invaluable for measuring and understanding changes over time and guiding policies to manage change. I extracted information from measurements of 10 water‐quality constituents in upper San Francisco Bay from 1975 to 2016, one of the longest observational records in a U.S. estuary. Changes were detected at every time scale captured by monthly sampling. Long‐term trends included increased ammonium (+53%), nitrate + nitrate (+50%), silicate (+14%), Secchi depth (+42%), and decreased chlorophylla(Chla) (−74%) and suspended particulate matter (−45%). Changes at the decadal scale included abrupt shifts (Chla, nitrate + nitrite) and oscillations between shorter trends of increase and decrease (Secchi depth, phosphate). Long‐term trends were not expressed equally across all seasons, and seasonal patterns of change varied across constituents. These examples illustrate key features of environmental variability at the land–sea interface: (1) water‐quality components change continually at time scales from months to decades; (2) patterns of seasonal, multiyear, and multidecadal change are complex and vary across constituents; (3) primary drivers of change are freshwater inflow, the master regulator of estuarine dynamics, and human activities such as river damming, water diversions, wastewater discharge, environmental policies, and species introductions; (4) extracting the full information content of time series requires multiple analyses, each revealing a different layer of insight into how changes develop over time; (5) water‐quality variability is nonstationary, so future changes cannot be forecast reliably; (6) repeated observation is an essential method of Earth system science with applications in the design and performance measures of environmental policies.
Topical delivery of vismodegib using ablative fractional laser and micro‐emulsion formulation in vitro
Authors: Olesen Uffe H. , Clergeaud Gael , Lerche Catharina M. , Andresen Thomas L. , Haedersdal Merete 
Published: August 2018

Background and ObjectiveHedgehog inhibitors such as vismodegib are targeted drugs widely used for the treatment of basal cell carcinomas; however, their use is significantly limited by frequent systemic side effects due to oral administration route. We aim to use ablative fractional laser (AFL) to enable the topical delivery of vismodegib to relevant dermal depths.Materials and MethodsPig skin was treated in vitro with a fractional 10,600 nm CO2 laser at 0 or 80 mJ/microbeam and exposed to vismodegib (6.4 mmol/L) in Franz‐diffusion cells for 0.5, 4, and 24 hours (n = 54 samples), either formulated in a micro‐emulsion composed of soybean oil and Tween 80 or dissolved in ethanol as vehicle control. Vismodegib biodistribution was studied at specific skin depths from 0 to 1,800 µm (incremental steps of 300 µm) by mass spectrometry.ResultsCombination of AFL and vismodegib emulsion substantially enhanced the delivery of drug into the skin. Emulsion formulation alone yielded higher vismodegib skin concentrations compared to vehicle control in superficial and mid‐dermis (0–900 µm, P = 0.002–0.015). The over‐all highest concentration found (554.5 µmol/L) was reached at 24 hours in superficial (0–300 µm) AFL exposed skin, 7.6‐fold higher than vehicle control (P = 0.002) and 9.7–101.6 fold higher than previously reported steady‐state plasma concentrations in patients treated with oral vismodegib (5.5–56.9 µmol/L). Compared to intact skin, AFL exposure significantly increased skin concentrations of vismodegib even in deep skin layers (24 h, 900–1,800 µm, emulsion: 8.7–74.3 µmol/L vs. 0.0–0.0 µmol/L, P = 0.004–0.048; vehicle control: 23.7–50.6 µmol/L vs. 0.0–1.6 µmol/L, P = 0.002). The total delivery of vismodegib‐emulsion into mid‐deep dermal skin layers from 600 to 1,800 µm was for AFL exposed skin 8.2 fold higher than intact skin. Also, delivery of emulsion vismodegib by AFL was time‐dependent as seen by the continuous increase in concentrations found over time, with highest uptake detected after 24 hours (4–24 hours, 0–900 µm, P = 0.002–0.004).ConclusionAFL enhances topical delivery of micro‐emulsion formulated vismodegib, reaching concentrations similar to or above plasma concentrations previously reported in patients receiving oral vismodegib. Lasers Surg. Med. 51:79–87, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Efficacy and safety of picosecond 755‐nm alexandrite laser with diffractive lens array for non‐ablative rejuvenation in Chinese skin
Authors: Wat Heidi , Yee‐nam Shek Samantha , Yeung Chi Keung , Chan Henry Hin‐lee 
Published: August 2018

Background and ObjectivesThe picosecond alexandrite laser with diffractive lens array (DLA) offers the dual advantages of a picosecond pulse duration and the fractionated delivery of laser energy. This study explores the efficacy and safety of the DLA for treatment of multiple aesthetic concerns associated with photoaging of the face including skin texture irregularities, dyspigmentation, enlarged pore size, rhytides, and skin laxity.MethodsThis prospective, evaluator‐blinded trial enrolled Fitzpatrick skin type III–IV patients with mild to moderate signs of facial photoaging. Patients received six full face treatments at 4 week intervals for a total of 107 treatments. Standardized photography was obtained at baseline and at 1, 2, and 3 month follow‐up visits. Two independent blinded evaluators rated each of the five signs of photoaging on a 10‐point visual analog scale (VAS) at each follow‐up visit compared to baseline. A global aesthetic improvement score was also assigned at each follow‐up visit. Secondary outcomes included patient‐rated pain and heat sensation on a 10‐point VAS, and overall satisfaction. Adverse events were noted after each treatment and at each follow‐up visit.ResultsA total of 18 Chinese patients age 35–59 completed the study. A statistically significant improvement in skin texture and dyspigmentation scores was noted at the 1 month follow‐up that was sustained at 3 months. No significant improvements wer­­e observed in pore size, rhytides, or skin laxity. The mean pain score was 5.1 ± 2 and mean heat sensation was 3.6 ± 2.1. Expected transient erythema and edema occurred in 95.3% (102/107) and 1.9% (2/108) of treatments, respectively, and resolved in hours. No incidences of post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) were noted at the 1, 2, and 3 month visits.ConclusionThe 755‐nm picosecond laser with DLA is a safe and effective non‐ablative modality for targeting facial skin texture irregularities and dyspigmentation in Chinese skin. Patients tolerated the treatment well with adverse effects limited to transient erythema and edema. Lasers Surg. Med. 51:8–13, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In‐depth analysis of antibacterial mechanisms of laser generated shockwave treatment
Authors: Yao William , Kuan Edward C. , Chung Young Hun , Francis Nathan C. , St. John Maie A. , Taylor Zachary D. , Grundfest Warren S. 
Published: August 2018

Background and Objectives Laser generated shockwave (LGS) is a novel modality for minimally invasive disruption of bacterial biofilms. The objectives of this study are to determine the mechanisms behind LGS treatment and non‐biofilm effects on bacterial disruption, including (1) comparing bacterial load with and without LGS in its planktonic form and (2) estimating bacterial cell permeability following LGS.Study Design/Materials and Methods For the first study, planktonic S. epidermidis were treated with gentamicin (0, 8, 16, 32, 64 μg/ml) with and without LGS (1064 nm Nd:YAG laser, 110.14 mJ/mm2, pulse duration 9 ns, spot size 3 mm, n = 8/group), and absorbances at 600 nm compared. For the second study, four samples of planktonic S. epidermidis were treated with LGS (same settings). Propidium iodide (PI) uptake via flow cytometry as a measure of cell permeability was measured at 0, 10, and 20 minutes following LGS.ResultsIn comparing corresponding gentamicin concentrations within both LGS‐treated samples and controls at 0 hours, there were no differences in absorbance (P = 0.923 and P = 0.814, respectively). Flow cytometry found modest PI uptake (10.4 ± 2.5%) immediately following LGS treatment, with time‐dependent increase and persistence of the signal at 20 minutes (R2 = 0.449, P = 0.048).ConclusionTaken together, LGS does not appear to have direct bacteriocidal properties, but rather by allowing for biofilm disruption and bacterial cell membrane permeabilization, both of which likely increase topical antibiotic delivery to pathogenic organisms. Insight into the mechanisms of LGS will allow for improved clinical applications and facilitate safe and effective translation of this technology. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Validated Score Predicts Acute Kidney Injury and Survival in Patients With Alcoholic Hepatitis
Authors: Sujan Ravi , Cruz‐Lemini Monica , Altamirano Jose , Simonetto Douglas A. , Maiwall Rakhi , Axley Page , Richardson Taylor , Desai Vivek , Cabezas Joaquin , Vargas Victor , Kamath Patrick S. , Shah Vijay H. , Sarin Shiv K. , Bataller Ramon , Singal Ashwani K. 
Published: August 2018

Abstract
Identifying patients at high risk for acute kidney injury (AKI) during hospitalization among patients admitted with severe alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is an unmet clinical need. We performed a multicentric prospective cohort study using data from 4 different cohorts on well‐characterized patients hospitalized with severe AH. Data collected on 773 AH patients from 4 cohorts across the globe were randomly split into test (n = 390) and validation (n = 383) cohorts. We found that 32% of the patients developed inpatient AKI in the test cohort. Approximately 60% of patients met criteria for systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) at admission. Hepatic encephalopathy, SIRS, and Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score at admission predicted inpatient AKI with odds ratios of 3.86, 2.24, and 1.14, respectively. The AKI risk score developed using these predictors stratified risk of inpatient AKI to low (score <3), moderate (3‐4), and high (>4). These findings were replicated in the validation cohort. In the whole study cohort, patients with AKI had a lower 90‐day survival (53% versus 77%; P < 0.001). Those with AKI risk score of >4 had significantly lower 90‐day survival as compared with those with risk scores between 3 and 4 and <3 (47% versus 68% versus 88%; P < 0.001). In conclusion, AKI occurs frequently in AH patients and negatively impacts short‐term mortality. The AKI risk score is useful in identifying patients at high risk for inpatient AKI and may be useful for developing new therapeutic strategies to prevent AKI in patients with AH.
Sensitivity Analysis of Single‐Phase Isothermal Free Radical–Induced Grafting of Polyethylene
Authors: Hernández‐Ortiz Julio C. , Van Steenberge Paul H. M. , Duchateau Jan N. E. , Toloza Carolina , Schreurs Fons , Reyniers Marie‐Françoise , Marin Guy B. , D’hooge Dagmar R. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractRadical‐induced grafting of polyethylene involves many reactions such as initiator dissociation, hydrogen abstraction, graft chain initiation, graft (de)propagation, crosslinking, and homo(de)polymerization. To ensure a successful grafting, both the reaction rate and degree of grafting functionalization need to be sufficiently high, implying a design of the process conditions. In the present article, assuming isothermal conditions and a single‐phase reactive system, it is demonstrated that the grafting kinetics is influenced by the hydrogen abstraction rate coefficient, the depropagation equilibrium coefficient Keq
, and the initial mass fractions of monomer, initiator, and polyolefin. It is shown that the reaction extent is a consequence of the interplay of the initial monomer mass fraction and Keq
, and the average grafting length is determined by grafting “from” and “to,” with longer grafts being formed through grafting “to.” Close to equilibrium, the average graft length decreases and the crosslinking density increases provided that initiator is left. Moreover, the chain length distribution of the virgin polyolefin strongly influences the molecular arrangement of the grafting points along the polyolefin chains. This can be demonstrated from the hydrogen abstraction reaction event history of polyolefin chains.
Solving MCDM problems based on combination of PACMAN and LINMAP
Authors: Kashef Mojtaba , Safari Hossein , Maleki Meysam , Cruz‐Machado Virgilio 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMulticriteria decision‐making approaches are receiving more and more attention with the increase of expectations from decision makers in variety of fields. The growth in applying such approaches has led to identifying their strengths as well as their shortcomings. Passive and active compensability multicriteria analysis (PACMAN) is one of the frequently used approaches which has the capability to consider compensation in describing intercriteria relations in multicriteria decision‐making problems. This methodology is well formed and rationally structured in the first two phases, in which the problem is formulated and the decisive indices are obtained. However, it has some shortcomings in the idea of concluding the process of solution in its last phase. In the current study, we review the methodology, discuss its possible shortcomings, and propose an approach based on the combination of PACMAN and linear programming technique for multidimensional analysis of preference (LINMAP). The proposed approach which is taken to evaluate the PACMAN and LINMAP methodologies can help researchers and decision makers who seek an accurate perspective to evaluate a multicriteria decision‐making methodology.
Evaluation of long‐term functional donor‐site morbidity after deep circumflex iliac crest artery bone flap harvest
Authors: Rendenbach Carsten , Goehler Friedemann , Hansen Lara , Kohlmeier Carsten , Amling Michael , Hanken Henning , Beck‐Broichsitter Benedicta , Heiland Max , Riecke Bjoern 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPurposeFree flap surgery can be associated with donor‐site morbidity. The purpose of this study was to analyze long‐term functional outcomes at the donor site after deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) bone flap harvesting.MethodsFourteen patients (8 men and 6 women, mean age 53.9 years; range 22–87 years) with mandible resection (8 carcinomas, 4 ameloblastomas, 1 osteonecrosis, and 1 myxofibroma) and DCIA flap reconstruction were included in an observational study. Ranges of motion in the hip and lumbar spine, Harris hip score (HHS), jumping mechanography, chair rising, and balance testing were performed on a ground force reaction plate (Leonardo Mechanograph, Novotec Medical GmbH, Germany). The primary outcome was the Esslinger fitness index (EFI, maximum peak power in W/kg normalized to age and gender).ResultsFunctional assessment was performed preoperatively and 29.0 months postoperatively (range 12–51 months). Mean DCIA flap length was 6.3 cm (range 3.3–10.1 cm). Jaw reconstruction was successful in all cases. HHS (99.2 vs. 97.7 points, P = .004) and all ranges of motion in the lumbar spine and hip joint except for dorsal extension were significantly reduced postoperatively (range −4° to −11.0°). There was no significant difference between pre‐ and postoperative EFI (77.9% vs. 74.28%, P = .591) and body sway (1.25 cm2 vs. 2.01 cm2, P = .806). Sensory deficits (n = 5), load dependent pain (n = 3), and limitations of daily activities (n = 3) were subjective complaints.ConclusionFunctional donor site morbidity after DCIA harvesting can be expected to be low in the long‐term.
Oral Immunotherapy with a Phosphorylated Hypoallergenic Allergen Ameliorates Allergic Responses More Effectively Than Intact Allergen in a Murine Model of Buckwheat Allergy
Authors: Katayama Shigeru , Yamaguchi Daiki , Suzuki Yuta , Athamneh Ahmad M. Al , Mitani Takakazu , Satoh Rie , Teshima Reiko , Mine Yoshinori , Nakamura Soichiro 
Published: August 2018

ScopeBuckwheat is a common food allergen frequently consumed in Asian countries, with Fag e 1 and Fag e 2 being the major buckwheat allergens. The purpose of this study is to prepare an oral immunotherapy agent by attenuating these allergens via phosphorylation. The immunomodulatory effects of phosphorylated Fag e 2 (P‐Fag e 2) in a mouse model of buckwheat allergy are evaluated.Methods and resultsPhosphorylated Fag e 1 (P‐Fag e 1) and P‐Fag e 2 are prepared by dry‐heating in the presence of pyrophosphate. Subsequent dot‐blot analysis using serum from food‐allergic patient indicates that both proteins exhibit reduced allergenicity upon phosphorylation. Mice subjected to oral administration of P‐Fag e 2 for 6 weeks exhibit decreased specific serum IgE and increased specific IgA after Fag e 2 sensitization compared to the sham‐treated mice. Moreover, the Peyer's patches (PP) of phosphorylated antigen‐fed mice show decreased IL‐4 production and induction of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells. Increased production of IL‐6 is observed in the CD11c+ cells isolated from the PPs of P‐Fag e 2‐fed mice.ConclusionThese results indicate that attenuated allergens can suppress Th2‐induced allergic responses via induction of Tfh cells, which are regulated by IL‐6 secreted from dendritic cells.
Medication taking in people with hip and knee osteoarthritis: An analysis of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
Authors: Smith Toby O. , Kemp Andrew , Twigg Michael J. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectivesOsteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent condition seen across primary care services. Although evidence‐based guidelines have encouraged the prescription of medications, including analgesics, for this population, there remains uncertainty as to which types of individuals actually take prescribed or over‐the‐counter medications. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether there is a difference in characteristics between people who take medicines for OA compared with those who do not.MethodsA cross‐sectional analysis of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) cohort was undertaken. Individuals who reported hip and/or knee OA pain were included. Data on medication taking were self‐reported and collected as part of the ELSA data collection programme. Logistic regression analyses were undertaken to determine the relationship between potential predictors (demographic, pathology‐specific, psychological, social and functional) and whether individuals took medications for their OA symptoms.ResultsA total of 654 participants reported OA: 543 medicine takers and 111 nontakers. Individuals who had access to a car (odds ratio [OR]: 56.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.35 to 941.36), those with a greater duration of hip pain (OR: 5.79; 95% CI: 1.40 to 24.0) and those who achieved 10 chair raises at greater speed (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.14) were more likely to take OA medicines.ConclusionsThe study identified predictors for medication taking in individuals with hip and/or knee OA. Strategies are now warranted to provide better support to these individuals, to improve health and well‐being for this long‐term, disabling condition.
Care2Cure: A randomized controlled trial protocol for evaluating nurse case management to improve the hepatitis C care continuum within HIV primary care
Authors: Starbird Laura E. , Han Hae‐Ra , Sulkowski Mark S. , Budhathoki Chakra , Reynolds Nancy R. , Farley Jason E. 
Published: August 2018

ABSTRACTCo‐infection with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) results in a threefold increase in relative risk of progression to end stage liver disease and cirrhosis compared to HCV alone. Although curative treatments exist, less than one quarter of people with HCV are linked to care, and even fewer have received treatment. The Care2Cure study is a single‐blinded, randomized controlled trial to improve the HCV care continuum among people co‐infected with HIV. This ongoing study was designed to test whether a nurse case management intervention can (i) improve linkage to HCV care and (ii) decrease time to HCV treatment initiation among 70 adults co‐infected with HIV who are not engaged in HCV care. The intervention is informed by the Andersen Behavioral Model of Health Services Use and consists of nurse‐initiated referral, strengths‐based education, patient navigation, appointment reminders, and care coordination for drug–drug interactions in the setting of HIV primary care. Validated instruments are used to measure participant characteristics including HCV knowledge, substance use, and depression. The primary outcome is linkage to HCV care (yes/no) within 60 days. In this protocol paper, we describe the first clinical trial to examine the effects of a nurse case management intervention to improve the HCV care continuum among people co‐infected with HIV/HCV in the era of all‐oral HCV treatment. We describe our work in progress, challenges encountered, and strategies to engage this hard‐to‐reach population.
Outcome of Wilms tumor patients with bone metastasis enrolled on National Wilms Tumor Studies 1‐5: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Iaboni Douglas S. M. , Chi Yueh‐Yun , Kim Yeonil , Dome Jeffrey S. , Fernandez Conrad V. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundWilms tumor (WT) is the most common renal tumor in children. We describe the outcomes for patients with WT that metastasized to bone (WTBM) to assist in decision making for these uncommon patients.ProcedureWe retrospectively reviewed the research records of patients identified with WTBM from the National Wilms Tumor Study (NWTS 1–5) database. We then related overall survival (OS) to histology, chemotherapy, radiation therapy to bone, location of metastasis, and when bone metastasis presented.ResultsThirty‐eight of 8609 patients enrolled on NWTS 1‐5 (0.44%) developed bone metastasis. Bone metastasis most commonly first occurred at progression or relapse (29/38, 76%). Five of thirty‐eight survived (13%) with the 5‐year OS following presentation of bone metastasis of 14.3% (95% CI: 2.7–25.8%). The primary cause of death was tumor (29/33, 88%). Of those who died, the median survival time was 10.9 months (range 0.49–61.4). Four of nine (44%) patients presenting at diagnosis and 3% (1/29) of patients presenting in progression or relapse survived (P = 0.0075). Nineteen percent (5/26) of patients with favorable histology and 0% (0/12) with anaplastic histology survived (P = 0.16). Of the five survivors, median follow‐up was 14 years (range 6.7–23.8). Radiation to metastatic bone sites was recorded in three of five survivors. No consistent chemotherapeutic approach appeared to be associated with disease outcome.ConclusionBone metastasis is rare in patients with WT, occurring more commonly in progression or relapse than at initial diagnosis. Patients with WTBM have poor prognosis. We could not identify a consistent chemotherapeutic strategy associated with survival.