bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age‐dependent optimal policies for hepatitis C virus treatment
Authors: Mondschein Susana , Yankovic Natalia , Matus Omar 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn recent years, highly effective treatments for hepatitis C virus (HCV) have become available. However, high prices of new treatments call for a careful policy evaluation when considering economic constraints. Although the current medical advice is to administer the new therapies to all patients, economic and capacity constraints require an efficient allocation of these scarce resources. We use stochastic dynamic programming to determine the optimal policy for prescribing the new treatment based on the age and disease progression of the patient. We show that, in a simplified version of the model, new drugs should be administered to patients at a given level of fibrosis if they are within prespecified age limits; otherwise, a conservative approach of closely monitoring the evolution of the patient should be followed. We use a cohort of Spanish patients to study the optimal policy regarding costs and health indicators. For this purpose, we compare the performance of the optimal policy against a liberal policy of treating all sick patients. In this analysis, we achieve similar results in terms of the number of transplants, HCV‐related deaths, and quality of adjusted life years, with a significant reduction in overall expenditure. Furthermore, the budget required during the first year of implementation when using the proposed methodology is only 12% of that when administering the treatment to all patients at once. Finally, we propose a method to prioritize patients when there is a shortage (surplus) in the annual budget constraint and, therefore, some recommended treatments must be postponed (added).
Does closed incision negative wound pressure therapy in non‐traumatic major lower‐extremity amputations improve survival rates?
Authors: Stenqvist Charlotte P , Nielsen Camilla T , Napolitano George M , Larsen Bo M , Flies Mitchell J , Brander Ditte C , Lynge Elsebeth , Pallesen Per 
Published: August 2019

AbstractClosed incision negative pressure wound therapy (CINPWT) has been shown to be clinically effective compared with the traditional gauze dressing, reducing surgical site infections and wound complications. We evaluated the effect of CINPWT compared with gauze dressing on the need for revision surgery and survival after non‐traumatic major lower amputation. We included 309 patients undergoing 403 major lower amputations in a retrospective study from January 1, 2010 to November 23, 2017. A total of 139 patients received CINPWT, and 170 patients received stump bandage. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the need for revision surgery (P = .45). Fourteen stump bandage patients and 15 CINPWT patients died in hospital (P = .57). One year after amputation, 55 CINPWT patients and 66 stump bandage patients had died (P = .82). Survival probabilities adjusted for age and gender 2 years after amputation were .52 (.43‐.61) and .49 (.42‐.58), respectively, and 3 years after amputation were .36 (.25‐.50) and .39 (.32‐.47), respectively. We also found no significant difference in the need for revision surgery in survival probabilities up till 3 years after amputation between patients treated with CINPWT and patients treated with gauze bandage postoperatively.
The effect of oxidative stress and Raftlin levels on wound healing
Authors: Bilgen Fatma , Ural Alper , Kurutas Ergul B. , Bekerecioglu Mehmet 
Published: August 2019

AbstractReactive oxygen species (ROS) are crucial in all wound‐healing processes. Raftlin also plays an important role in the induction of the autoimmune response and the vascular inflammatory response. Inflammatory mediators induce continuous synthesis and secretion. To the best of our knowledge, although there are studies in the literature on antioxidant enzyme levels (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT]) and oxidative stress markers, there are no studies on the comparison of these levels in wound patients with the activities of Raftlin, which is known to play a role in the vascular endothelial response. The aim of this study was to compare the levels of oxidative stress and antioxidant response between wound patients and a control group and to compare the levels of Raftlin between the two groups, which is a new biomarker in inflammatory diseases. Between January 2018 and September 2018, 30 healthy control patients and 30 patients with wounds were enrolled in the study as volunteers. Tissue samples were collected and were sent to the biochemistry laboratory to determine the levels of oxidative stress, antioxidant enzymes, and Raftlin, which play an important role in wound healing. The following were evaluated: SOD and CAT levels (as a measure of antioxidant enzymes); malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (as a measure of free oxygen radicals); and Raftlin, which is a lipid raft protein used in determining the level of inflammatory and autoimmune response. The analyses determined a statistically significant correlation between MDA, SOD, CAT, and Raftlin values in wound patients (p<0.05). Raftlin was a considerable parameter in determining the prognostic process of wound healing. The levels of tissue Raftlin were significantly higher in wounded patients. A significant increase in MDA, SOD, and CAT activities of the wounded patients also suggested that the oxidant and antioxidant effect was balanced and that external antioxidant supplementation was not required.
Antibacterial effects of lidocaine and adrenaline
Authors: Kesici Sevgi , Demirci Mehmet , Kesici Ugur 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe most commonly used local anaesthetics (LAs) for postoperative analgesia and surgical anaesthesia are lidocaine and bupivacaine. Adrenaline is a vasopressor agent, which is widely used in anaesthesia for many purposes. This study aims to determine the antibacterial efficacy of lidocaine, mupirocin, adrenaline, and lidocaine + adrenaline combination. In our study, the in vitro antimicrobial effect of 1 mL of sterile saline, 20 mg/mL mupirocin, 20 mg/mL lidocaine, 1 mg/mL adrenaline, and 20 mg/mL lidocaine and adrenaline were tested against Staphylococcus aureus American‐type culture collection (ATCC) 29213, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, classified as Group C (control), Group M (mupirocin), Group L (lidocaine), Group A (adrenaline), and Group LA (lidocaine+adrenaline), respectively. S. aureus ATCC 29213, P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853, and E. coli ATCC 25922 were cultured on Mueller‐Hinton agar (Oxoid, UK) plates for 18 to 24 hours at 37°C. Colonies from these plates were suspended in sterile saline, and a 0.5 McFarland turbidity standard suspension (corresponding to 1.5 × 108 CFU/mL) of each isolate was prepared. In terms of inhibition zone diameters, S. aureus ATCC 29213 values obtained after 12 and 24 hours of incubation were significantly different between groups (P < .001). According to inhibition zone diameters, Group M > Group LA > Group L > Group C = Group A. P. Aeruginosa ATCC 27853 values obtained after 12 and 24 hours of incubation were significantly different between groups (P < .001). According to inhibition zone diameters, Group M > Group LA > Group L = Group C = Group A. E. coli ATCC 25922 values obtained after 12 and 24 hours of incubation were significantly different between groups (P < .001). According to inhibition zone diameters, Group M > Group LA > Group L > Group C = Group A. It is known that LAs have antimicrobial effect potential in addition to their anaesthetic, analgesic, antiarrhythmic, and anti‐inflammatory effects. There are also studies showing the antimicrobial effects of vasopressor agents, which are frequently used, particularly in intensive care unit (ICUs). However, it has been observed in the present study that adrenaline alone did not have any antimicrobial effect. Adrenaline, when used in combination with lidocaine, provides a stronger and broad‐spectrum antimicrobial activity, suggesting that its combined use in proper indications will be clinically significant. Because the prevention and treatment of wound infections make a positive contribution to wound healing, the potential of antimicrobial effect of LAs can provide successful results in the prevention and treatment of ICU and wound infections. Thus, an important contribution can be made in terms of reducing the costs of antibacterial treatment and reducing morbidity.
Necrotising fasciitis of the thigh caused by duodenum invasion of renal cell carcinoma: A case report
Authors: Okkabaz Nuri , Turgut Mehmet Alim 
Published: August 2019

AbstractNecrotising fasciitis, widespread necrosis of the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and superficial fascia, may be caused by many factors, among which underlying malignancy is observed rarely. We report a case with necrotising fasciitis of the lower extremity because of a duodenum to retroperitoneum fistula caused by renal cell carcinoma invasion. A 62‐year‐old male with newly diagnosed renal cell carcinoma was diagnosed with necrotising fasciitis at the end of 2 days in hospital. One day after debridement surgery, biliary contamination of dressings and tomography demonstrated fistulation from the duodenum to retroperitoneum and then to the right thigh because of renal tumour invasion. The second operation was performed to repair the duodenum. Intravenous antibiotics and hydration were maintained postoperatively. Although there was no surgical complication, the patient died because of respiratory collapse at the 12th day postoperatively. Renal cell carcinoma may invade the duodenum and, with retroperitoneal fistulation, may be the cause of necrotising fasciitis of the thigh. Laparotomy may be needed to control the origin of infection. However, necrotising fasciitis may be fatal in spite of aggressive treatment. The fasciitis should be diagnosed early to initiate timely aggressive treatment, and a possible endogenous source should be kept in mind.
Nowotny phase Mo3+2xSi3C0.6 dispersed in a porous SiC/C matrix: A novel catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Feng Yao , Yu Zhaoju , Schuch Jona , Tao Shasha , Wiehl Leonore , Fasel Claudia , Jaegermann Wolfram , Riedel Ralf 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe ternary Nowotny phase (NP), with a composition Mo3+2xSi3C0.6 (x = 0.9‐0.764), is found to be catalytically active in the field of electrochemical water splitting. The NP embedded in a porous SiC/C nanocomposite matrix is synthesized via a single‐source‐precursor approach which involves the reaction of allylhydridopolycarbosilane with MoO2(acac)2. Thermal treatment of the single‐source‐precursor up to 1400°C in a protective atmosphere results in the in situ formation of nanocrystalline Mo3+2xSi3C0.6 immobilized in a thermally and corrosion‐stable SiC/C matrix. The weight fractions of the observed crystalline phases Mo3+2xSi3C0.6 and SiC amount to ca. 28 (26) and 72 (74) wt%, respectively, when prepared at 1400°C (1350°C). The porosity of the formed nanocomposite is adjusted by the addition of polystyrene (PS) as a pore former to the single‐source‐precursor resulting in a specific surface area up to 206 m2/g. The electrocatalytic activity of the Mo3+2xSi3C0.6/C/SiC nanocomposite with respect to the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is characterized by low over potentials of 22 and 138 mV vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) for applying 1 and 10 mA cm−2 of current density, respectively. The analyzed electrocatalytic performance exceeds that of most Mo‐based electrocatalysts and shows high stability (over 90%) during 35 hours.
Reactive, nonreactive, and flash spark plasma sintering of Al2O3/SiC composites—A comparative study
Authors: Torosyan Karen S. , Sedegov Alexey S. , Kuskov Kirill V. , Abedi Mohammad , Arkhipov Dmitry I. , Kiryukhantsev‐Korneev Philipp V. , Vorotilo Stepan , Moskovskikh Dmitry O. , Mukasyan Alexander S. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe influence of different SPS‐based methods, that is, conventional spark plasma sintering (SPS), flash SPS (FSPS), and reactive SPS (RSPS) on the properties of Al2O3/SiC composite was investigated. It was shown that the application of preliminary high energy ball milling of the powders significantly enhances the sinterability of the ceramics. It was also demonstrated that FSPS provides unique conditions for rapid, that is, less than a minute, consolidation of refractory ceramics. The Al2O3‐20 wt% SiC composite produced by FSPS possesses the highest relative density (~99%), fracture toughness (7.5 MPa m1/2), hardness (20.3 GPa) and wear resistance among all ceramics produced by other SPS‐based approaches with dwelling time 10 minutes. The RSPS ceramics hold the highest Young's modulus (390 GPa). Substitution of micron‐sized Al2O3 particles by nano alumina does not lead to measurable enhancement of the mechanical properties.
Cryptic phylogeographic history sheds light on the generation of species diversity in sky‐island mountains
Authors: He Kai , Gutiérrez Eliécer E. , Heming Neander M. , Koepfli Klaus‐Peter , Wan Tao , He Shuiwang , Jin Wei , Liu Shao‐Ying , Jiang Xue‐Long 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to conduct comprehensive phylogeographic and demographic analyses to examine the degree to which topographic and climatic conditions have affected the patterns of diversification and migration in a strictly montane inhabitant, the montane long‐tailed mole (Scaptonyx fusicaudus).LocationThe mountains of south‐western China and adjacent mountains including Mts. Bashan, Dalou and Qinling also known as the sky islands in south‐western China.TaxonThe long‐tailed mole (S. fusicaudus), a semi‐fossorial mammal distributed in the sky islands of south‐western China, is a relict species and the sole representative of the tribe Scaptonychini.MethodsWe sequenced one mitochondrial and six nuclear genes from 113 samples across the species’ range. We estimated phylogenetic relationships and divergence times, conducted genetic structuring and species delimitation using multiple approaches and used Approximate Bayesian Computation to test potential gene flow. We conducted ecological niche modelling to predict the species’ potential distribution in the present, the last glacial maximum and the last interglacial (LIG).ResultsThe species comprises a minimum of 17 operational taxonomic units which are isolated in different mountain ranges. The lowlands and large rivers act as barriers to dispersal, and have isolated evolutionary lineages for up to 11 million years. Long‐distance dispersal is evident among a few discrete montane archipelagos. Suitable climatic conditions during the LIG are limited to only a few sites, thus geographically restricting climatic stable areas across geological periods (from the LIG to the present).Main conclusionsFor low‐vagility species, the complex topography of the sky islands has promoted exceptional diversification through a combination of eco‐environmental stability as well as geographic fragmentation. The mountains have acted as a buffer against climate change, and have provided continuously suitable habitats for S. fusicaudus since the early Late Miocene, supporting the hypothesis that the sky islands constitute “museums” of ancient lineages. Lowlands and river valleys have acted as barriers preventing gene flow, while the montane archipelagos could have provided stepping stones to facilitate dispersal.
The impact of perceived stress on skin ageing
Authors: Lee C.M. , Watson R.E.B. , Kleyn C.E. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractSkin ageing can be divided according to phenotypical features into intrinsic (by the passage of time) and extrinsic (with the addition of the effects of environmental factors). Photoageing is by far the most researched factor of extrinsic ageing but the additional impact of other factors such as cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution ought to be taken into account. One of the least researched topics in relation to extrinsic skin ageing is the impact of psychological stress. A contemporary review of response of human skin to stress describes the molecular mechanisms of extrinsic skin ageing, but has fallen short of explaining resilience to stress exhibited by people. Mechanisms to regulate gene expression, define cellular identity and promote functionality are responsible for the adaptive response to stressful events. Conversely, maladaptive response of human tissues to chronic stress appears to have an impact on gene regulation. Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes in organisms due to modifications in gene activity and expression, as opposed to the genetic code (DNA genome). Chronic stress appears to be an important factor in determining an individual's vulnerability to ageing and age‐related comorbidities via epigenetic modifications. Forerunners in epigenetic research recognized the necessity of a reliable biomarker in order to develop a better understanding of the role of epigenomics in ageing. Genomic DNA methylation patterns (DNAm) appear to be valuable in age prediction but variability in specificity exists across species of mammals, human races and tissues. Neuroscience research appears to be leading the way in epigenomics whilst the lack of a valid and reliable DNAm‐associated age predictor compatible with human skin tissue hinders research endeavours for the epigenetics of skin ageing.
Long‐term clinical outcomes of imiquimod 5% cream vs. diclofenac 3% gel for actinic keratosis on the face or scalp: a pooled analysis of two randomized controlled trials
Authors: Gollnick H. , Dirschka T. , Ostendorf R. , Kerl H. , Kunstfeld R. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundActinic keratosis (AK) is an early in situ epidermal cancer which can progress to invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Imiquimod 5% cream (IMIQ) and diclofenac 3% gel (DIC) are frequently used to treat AK; however, their long‐term effects following repeated treatment cycles have never been compared.ObjectiveTo compare IMIQ and DIC in the treatment of AK with respect to the risk of change to grade III AK or invasive SCC, after 3 years.MethodsData were pooled from two randomized, active‐controlled, open‐label, multicentre, multinational, phase IV studies (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00777127/NCT01453179), with two parallel groups. Studies were conducted between 2008 and 2015 and were almost identical in design. Patients eligible for inclusion were immunocompetent adults with 5–10 visible AK lesions on the face/scalp and grade I/II AK. The primary endpoint was inhibition of histological change to grade III AK or invasive SCC in the study treatment area, observed until month 36. Patients applied either IMIQ or DIC for a maximum of six treatment cycles.ResultsIn total, 479 patients (IMIQ 242; DIC 237) were included in the full analysis set. Histological change to grade III AK or invasive SCC was observed until month 36 in 13 (5.4%) patients treated with IMIQ, compared with 26 (11.0%) patients treated with DIC (absolute risk difference –5.6% [95% confidence interval –10.7%, –0.7%]). Time to histological change was greater in the IMIQ group than the DIC group (P = 0.0266). Frequency of progression to invasive SCC was lower with IMIQ than with DIC at all time points. Initial clearance rate was higher in the IMIQ group compared with the DIC group, while recurrence rate was lower. Both treatments were well tolerated.ConclusionsOver 3 years, IMIQ was superior to DIC in clearing AK lesions and preventing histological change to grade III AK or invasive SCC and recurrence.
Can plants mediate the humoral immunity and biochemical metabolism of entomopathogen‐infected caterpillars?
Authors: Wan Nian‐Feng , Zhou Jin‐Yi , Deng Jian‐Yu , Wang Jin‐Yan , Ji Xiang‐Yun , Zhang Hao , Chen Yi‐Juan , Jiang Jie‐Xian 
Published: August 2019

AbstractPlant‐insect herbivore‐entomopathogen interactions are one of the hot topics in biological control and humoral immunity, and biochemical metabolism are important responses of herbivores to pathogen infection. Entomopathogens are key biocontrol agents of caterpillars, but how plants affect the responses of caterpillars to these organisms is not well understood. We studied hormonal immunity (lysozyme and phenoloxidase activities) and biochemical metabolism (total protein and lipid contents) of Beauveria bassiana‐infected beet armyworm (Spodoptera exigua) larvae that feed on five different host plants (soya bean, Chinese cabbage, edible amaranth, water convolvulus and pepper). Results indicated that plant species differentially affected lysozyme and phenoloxidase activity and lipid content, but had no effect on protein content of pathogen‐infected caterpillars. Both lysozyme and phenoloxidase activities were generally higher in entomopathogen‐infected larvae that feed on edible amaranth or water convolvulus compared with the other three plants from days 1 to 5 after treatment. Plant species did not affect in regular changes during the 5 days in the lipid content of infected or non‐infected caterpillars. Our study reveals that plants fail to affect the biochemical metabolism but plants can mediate the humoral immunity of caterpillars to defend against pathogens. This study provides insight into plant‐mediated effects on the response of herbivores to pathogens.
Optimization of calcium–magnesium–inulin formulation on wheat flour dough rheological properties
Authors: Codină Georgiana Gabriela , Ropciuc Sorina , Dabija Adriana 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe aim of our study was to optimize the inulin (In), calcium lactate (Ca), and magnesium gluconate (Mg) content in order to obtain the best wheat flour dough rheological properties by using response surface methodology. The Farinograph, Falling Number, Amylograph, and Rheofermentometer properties were evaluated. The results of the study revealed that from the three independent variables used, In has the most significant effect on response variables. The increase in In, Ca, and Mg content produced a decrease of water absorption and of all Rhefermentometer parameters studied. Mg presented a significant (p < .1) positive effect on Amylograph properties. An interaction effect of the combined In and Mg (p < .01), Mg and Ca (p < .05) was observed on maximum height of gaseous production. The optimum formulation obtained in order to achieve the desirable dough rheological properties contained 1.46 g/kg Ca, 1.34 g/kg Mg, and 5.74 g/100 g In.Practical applicationsIncorporation of inulin, a prebiotic with calcium and magnesium salts in wheat flour facilitates obtaining of bakery products with health effect on the human body. Also, the use of inulin in combination with calcium and magnesium salts improves calcium and magnesium bioavailability, a fact that help us combat calcium and magnesium deficiency. Knowledge of dough rheological properties of wheat flour dough with inulin in combination with calcium and magnesium salts will provide a better understanding of bread making process during mixing, pasting, and fermentation in order to obtain bakery products of a good quality. The information presented in this work will be useful for the bakery industry in order to predict bread making process engineering and bread quality.