bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for surgical site infection after transvaginal mesh placement in a nationwide Japanese cohort
Authors: Kamei Jun , Yazawa Satoshi , Yamamoto Shingo , Kaburaki Naoto , Takahashi Satoru , Takeyama Masami , Koyama Masayasu , Homma Yukio , Arakawa Soichi , Kiyota Hiroshi 
Published: March 2018

AimsWe conducted a nationwide survey on perioperative management and antimicrobial prophylaxis of transvaginal mesh surgeries for pelvic organ prolapse in Japan to understand the practice and risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI).MethodsHealth records of women undergoing tension‐free vaginal mesh (TVM) surgeries from 2010 to 2012 were obtained from 135 medical centers belonging to the Japanese Society of Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery. The questionnaire addressed hospital volume, perioperative management, and SSI. Risk factors for SSI were investigated by comparing cases with and without SSI.ResultsThe hospital volume among institutions varied from 0 to 248 per year (median 16.7). Preoperative hair removal, bowel preparation, and urine culture were routinely performed at 74 (55%), 66 (49%), and 24 (18%) hospitals, respectively. Prophylactic antimicrobials used were mostly first‐generation (43%) or second‐generation (42%) cephalosporin. SSI was reported in 86 of 9323 patients (0.92%). A multivariate analysis indicated lower hospital volume (odds ratio [OR], 0.995 [by 1‐point increase]; P < 0.001), preoperative bowel preparation (OR, 2.08; P = 0.013), non‐routine urine culture (OR, 3.00; P = 0.0006), and the use of antibiotics other than first‐generation cephalosporin (OR, 5.29; P = 0.0011) as significant risk factors for SSI. In contrast, the cut‐off points of hospital volume for preventing SSI was 116.7 cases (area under curve: 0.61).ConclusionThe prevalence of SSI in TVM surgeries was 0.92% in Japan. Lower hospital volume, bowel preparation, non‐routine preoperative urine culture, and prophylactic antibiotics other than first‐generation cephalosporin significantly elevated the incidence of SSI.
Size diversity in Swiss Bronze Age cattle
Authors: Bopp‐Ito M. , Deschler‐Erb S. , Vach W. , Schibler J. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractTo date, osteometric data for Swiss Bronze Age cattle, particularly from Alpine sites, are scarce. In the present study, using a large dataset generated by combining preexisting data with recent data obtained from a large Alpine site, cattle size from the Late Neolithic to the Late Bronze Age (LBA) in populations from different sites and regions was evaluated using the logarithmic size index and other statistical analysis. Additionally, the finite mixture model and a meta‐analytic technique were used to observe possible effects of sex ratios on cattle size. Results indicated that sex ratios did not affect size distribution. Cattle populations did not differ over time, but the Alpine cattle were smaller than the Central Plateau cattle. There were two distinct sizes in the Alpine cattle populations. It is suggested that the different economic interrelationships between Alpine and other geographically related communities might have led to the emergence of size diversity in Swiss Bronze Age cattle. Further interdisciplinary studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm these possibilities.
Langerhans cell histiocytosis mimicking molluscum contagiosum: A case series
Authors: Fernández Armenteros José Manuel , Arco Huguet Nuria , Sanmartin Novell Veronica , Vilardell Villellas Felip , Velasco Sanchez Ana , Martró Català Elisa , Martí Laborda Rosa Maria , Soria Gili Xavier 
Published: March 2018

AbstractLangerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a disorder characterized by accumulation of Langerhans‐like cells in one or various organs. A correct staging work‐up is essential since there are multiorgan presentations with a poor prognosis. We report three patients with LCH skin lesions mimicking molluscum contagiosum in association with both high and low risk organ involvement. This peculiar cutaneous presentation can be a clue for the diagnosis of LCH, a disease with potentially severe systemic involvement.
Prenatal and postnatal evolution of isolated fetal splenic cysts
Authors: Sauvageot Camille , Faure Jean‐Michel , Mousty Eve , Flandrin Anaïg , Forgues Dominique , Prodhomme Olivier , Fuchs Florent 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, the prenatal, and postnatal evolution of isolated fetal splenic cysts.MethodsAll cases of suspected fetal splenic cyst or abdominal unidentified cyst discovered during routine ultrasound scan, from 2007 to 2017, and referred to a French tertiary care center, were retrospectively collected. For each case, several prenatal parameters and postnatal evolution were reported.ResultsAmong 5450 cases of fetal anomalies, 14 patients (0.3%) had a prenatal diagnosis of fetal splenic cysts. Median gestational age at diagnosis was 30.1 weeks. A unique cyst was present in 78.6%, whereas 2 cysts were observed in 14.3% and 3 cysts in 7.1%. During the pregnancy, cysts remained the same (78.6%) or disappeared (21.4%). Ultrasound scans at 6 months of age found total disappearance of the cysts (36.4%), spontaneous reduction from 2 to 1 cyst (18.2%) or persistence of the cysts (45.4%).ConclusionFetal splenic cysts are rare images, always isolated, usually unique and mainly found during third trimester of pregnancy. Their evolution is to disappear spontaneously during pregnancy or at 6 months of age leaving only half of them to remain beyond that age but without any symptoms.
Polymeric nanospheres with tunable sizes, water dispersibility, and thermostability from heating‐enabled micellization of polysulfone‐block‐polyethylene glycol
Authors: Zhang Zexian , Li Jie , Wang Zhaogen , He Changcheng , Wang Yong 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTPolymeric nanospheres with uniform sizes, functional surfaces, and high mechanical strength and thermostability are attracting wide interest in different applications. Here, a new kind of polysulfone micellar spheres with PEGylated surfaces is prepared via directly heating the solution of an amphiphilic block copolymer, polysulfone‐b‐polyethylene glycol (PSF‐b‐PEG). The sizes of the micelles are uniform and tunable between ∼42 and ∼443 nm. TEM characterizations show that the micelles are core‐shell structures with PEG as the corona and PSF as the core. PEG endows the micelles with dispersibility in water and good biocompatibility, while PSF provides the mechanical strength and thermostability. The effects of PEG contents, polymer solution concentrations, solvent types, and heating temperatures are systematically investigated. Furthermore, heat resistance tests show that the micelles are stable at 150–180 °C. These PSF‐b‐PEG micellar spheres are expected to be applied in demanding environmental conditions such as heating involved surface modification process. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 769–777
Identifying the effect of aromatic oil on the individual component dynamics of S‐SBR/BR blends by broadband dielectric spectroscopy
Authors: Rathi Akansha , Hernández Marianella , Garcia Santiago J. , Dierkes Wilma K. , Noordermeer Jacques W. M. , Bergmann Cristina , Trimbach Jürgen , Blume Anke 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACTMiscible S‐SBR (solution styrene–butadiene copolymer)/BR (polybutadiene homopolymer) blends are used in multiple applications like modern passenger car tire treads. Despite their miscibility, there is a problem to predict tire performance due to dynamical heterogeneities present in the S‐SBR/BR blends. On the one hand, S‐SBR/BR blends have a thermorheologically complex behavior, which complicates the prediction of the temperature‐ and frequency‐dependence of material properties. On the other hand, due to differences in the polarity of the individual components, the extender oils used in the elastomeric compounds could distribute unequally within the blends, where little is known about how oils interact with the two polymers. In this work a combination of Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Dynamic Mechanical Analysis, and Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy (BDS) is used to clarify: (i) the thermorheological complexity of S‐SBR/BR blends, (ii) the effect of the extender oil on the blend. The broad frequency operation of BDS allows for the analysis of the S‐SBR and BR component dynamics and the effect of the oil on each of them within an S‐SBR/BR (50/50) blend. Based on the discretization of individual component dynamics in the blend, conclusive remarks are made on the effect of the extender oil for either component in the blend. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 842–854
Sexual and romantic challenges among young Danes diagnosed with cancer: Results from a cross‐sectional nationwide questionnaire study
Authors: Graugaard Christian , Sperling Cecilie Dyg , Hølge‐Hazelton Bibi , Boisen Kirsten A. , Petersen Gitte Stentebjerg 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe negative impact of malignant disease on sexual and relational functioning is well documented among adults but scarcely investigated among adolescents and young adults. This study explored the body image, self‐perceived attractiveness, and sexual/romantic experiences of Danes diagnosed with cancer at the age of 15 to 29 years. It also aimed to clarify whether self‐perceived needs for counseling were in fact met by health care providers.MethodsAll Danes who had been diagnosed with cancer at the age of 15 to 29 years during the period 2009 to 2013 were included in a cross‐sectional nationwide questionnaire study. Eight hundred twenty‐two questionnaires were returned, yielding a response rate of 45%.ResultsMore than half of the respondents (53.8%) reported that cancer had altered their body image negatively, while 44.6% felt that disease had lowered their feeling of being attractive. Nearly one‐third (31.3%) and one‐fourth (23.6%), respectively, had experienced a negative impact on their desire to have sex or to flirt/date/have a partner. Female responders were more affected than males on most variables, and breast cancer patients were approximately 4 times more at risk for sexual and romantic adversities than patients with melanoma of the skin. Although more than 80% indicated a need to discuss issues of sexuality and intimacy with a health professional, 49.5% and 61.7%, respectively, had talked little or not at all with professionals during hospitalization and follow‐up consultations.ConclusionsYoung cancer patients experience sexual and romantic challenges along with a lack of self‐perceived attractiveness. Their substantial need for dialogue and counselling should be met in health care settings.
An exploratory study of social problems experienced by ambulatory cancer patients in Japan: Frequency and association with perceived need for help
Authors: Hisamura Kazuho , Matsushima Eisuke , Tsukayama Syouichi , Murakami Shinya , Motoo Yoshiharu 
Published: March 2018

AbstractObjectiveLittle is known about the social problems experienced by cancer patients in non‐Western countries. The aims of this study were (1) to explore the characteristics and frequencies of social problems in cancer outpatients, as well as their associations with the need for help, and (2) to take the initial steps to develop an instrument for the assessment of cancer‐related social problems in Japan.MethodsA cross‐sectional group of 109 patients completed the Social Problem Checklist and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30. Participants rated the levels of the problem severity and the need for help on each item. Factor structure, internal consistency, and construct validity were also assessed.ResultsIn total, 72.5% of the participants encountered ≥1 problem, and 33% experienced ≥1 serious problem. The amount of help needed tended to be lower than problem severity, especially for family and social life issues. The most common reason for not needing help, as reported by approximately 40% of patients who experienced problems, was the preference for self‐management. A 3‐factor model was extracted that included financial matters, medical information, and family and social life. Excellent internal consistencies for each factor and convergent correlations between the relevant subscales of European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30 and Social Problem Checklist were confirmed.ConclusionsA substantial proportion of participants had cancer‐related social problems, but they had ambivalent help‐related needs. Interventions that enhance the patient's abilities for self‐care could be essential to help cancer outpatients manage social problems in Japan.
Environmental controls on ground temperature and permafrost in Labrador, northeast Canada
Authors: Way Robert G. , Lewkowicz Antoni G. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractField data from 83 environmental monitoring stations across Labrador, 17 with permafrost, were used to analyze the interrelationships of key variables considered in the temperature at the top of permafrost model. Snow depth, not mean annual air temperature, was the strongest climatic determinant of mean temperatures at the ground surface and at the base of the annual freeze–thaw layer, and its variability was most closely related to land cover class. A critical late‐winter snow depth of 70 cm or more was inferred to be sufficient to prevent the formation of permafrost at the monitoring sites, which meant that permafrost was absent beneath forest but present in some tundra, peatland and bedrock locations. Analyses showed no statistically significant relations identified between topographic indices and various station parameters, challenging their utility for regional modeling. Testing of several different land cover datasets for model parameterization gave errors in ground surface temperature ranging from ± 0.9 to 2.1°C. These results highlight the importance of local field data and emphasize the necessity of high‐quality national‐scale land cover datasets suitable for permafrost modeling.
Evaluation of allyl isothiocyanate as a soil fumigant against soil‐borne diseases in commercial tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) production in China
Authors: Ren Zongjie , Li Yuan , Fang Wensheng , Yan Dongdong , Huang Bin , Zhu Jiahong , Wang Xiaoning , Wang Xianli , Wang Qiuxia , Guo Meixia , Cao Aocheng 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDRoot‐knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.), soil‐borne diseases and weeds seriously reduce the commercial yield of tomatoes grown under protected cultivation in China. Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), a natural product obtained from damaged Brassica tissues, was evaluated as a potential replacement for the fumigant methyl bromide (MB) for use in the greenhouse production of tomatoes in China.RESULTSThe dose–response assay indicates that AITC has high biological activity against major bacterial and fungal pathogens (EC50 of 0.225–4.199 mg L−1). The bioassay results indicate that AITC has good efficacy against root‐knot nematodes (LC50 of 18.046 mg kg−1), and moderate efficacy against fungal pathogens (LC50 of 27.999–29.497 mg kg−1) and weeds (LC50 of 17.300–47.660 mg kg−1). The potting test indicates that AITC significantly improved plant vigor. Field trials indicate that AITC showed good efficacy against Meloidogyne spp. and Fusarium spp. (both ∼ 80%) as well as Phytophthora spp. and Pythium spp. (both ∼ 70%), and improved plant vigor and marketable yield.CONCLUSIONAITC used as a soil fumigant (30–50 g m−2) effectively controlled major bacterial and fungal pathogens, root‐knot nematode, weeds and increased plant vigor, yield and farmers' income in tomato cultivated under protected agriculture in China. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Integrating total oxidizable precursor assay data to evaluate fate and transport of PFASs
Authors: Casson Rachael , Chiang Sheau‐Yun (Dora) 
Published: March 2018

AbstractFate and transport of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are complex and are not well understood. Among this class of emerging contaminants, perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) comprising perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs) and perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSAs) are being studied more frequently than polyfluorinated compounds. PFAAs are persistent in the environment, recalcitrant to biological degradation, and, therefore, widespread. Previous studies have indicated that some PFASs bioaccumulate. The fate and transport of PFAAs can be complicated by the presence of PFAA precursors. The PFAA precursors are defined in this article as those fluorinated chemicals that can be potentially transformed abiotically or biotically into terminal PFCA or PFSA products. Due to potential biotransformation in the environment, PFAA precursors can influence the temporal and lateral distribution of PFAAs in the environment. Presently, only a very small number of PFAA precursors can be quantitatively analyzed by commercial laboratories. For instance, N‐ethyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid and N‐methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid are the only two precursors included in the most commonly applied PFAS analytical method, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Method 537. The current commercial laboratory methodologies primarily quantify between 14 and 31 PFASs. As an alternative, a total oxidizable precursor assay (TOPA) was developed to quantify the measurable PFSA and PFCA concentrations after aggressive oxidation converting PFAA precursors abiotically into PFCAs. The difference between PFAA concentrations before and after oxidation can be used to estimate the amount of oxidizable PFAA precursors in the sample. This is one of the first articles that utilized TOPA data to help interpret PFAS fate and transport in the environment.
Occurrence and behavior of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances from aqueous film‐forming foam in groundwater systems
Authors: Hatton Jim , Holton Chase , DiGuiseppi Bill 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPer‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are fluorinated compounds and the active ingredient in aqueous film‐forming foam (AFFF). AFFF has been identified as a significant source of PFAS contamination in groundwater. PFAS are also present in many other industrial and consumer products and their manufacture and use has led to numerous contaminated sites. Human health risks have been identified with studies linking firefighter cancers to training facilities where AFFF was used. Given the widespread release of these compounds to the environment and their potential health risks, understanding their mobility characteristics is important. This article details the occurrence and behavior of these substances in groundwater systems to help guide the emerging fields of PFAS investigation and remediation. Background is presented on AFFF and PFAS source characteristics, including common industrial and consumer PFAS sources. In addition, chemical properties, sorption and retention parameters, and observed transformation properties of PFAS and related compounds are discussed. Finally, knowledge gaps are identified for future laboratory and field studies.
Precursors of Nerve Chemical Warfare Agents with Industrial Relevance: Characteristics and Significance for Chemical Security
Authors: Quagliano Javier , Witkiewicz Zygfryd , Sliwka Ewa , Neffe Slawomir 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPrecursors of nerve chemical warfare agents were reviewed, considering their importance in industry and consequently the potential impact on chemical security. Physico‐chemical properties of main precursors were evaluated, while main commercial uses were summarized. Toxic properties of precursors were considered in comparison to chemical warfare agents. Some information concerning nerve agentsand their simulants is also given.
Helically Structured Peptide Architecture Engineered Using Dimedone as a Rigid Organic Scaffold
Authors: Nadimpally Krishna C. , Madica Krishnaprasad , Kotmale Amol S. , Gonnade Rajesh G. , Sanjayan Gangadhar J. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis communication reports the use of a rigid organic scaffold to attach two unsymmetrical peptide chains on a single carbon atom. The approach describes the step‐by‐step attachment of peptide chains to the rigid dimedone template (5,5‐dimethyl‐1,3‐cyclohexanedione) – a molecular scaffold that directs orientation of the peptide helices in a well‐defined arrangement via intra‐molecular hydrogen bonding. The overall topology of the final molecules was studied using CD spectroscopy which suggested existence of helical architecture.
Development of Acridine‐Derived “Turn On” Al3+ Fluorescent Sensors and Their Imaging in Living Cells
Authors: Wang Chaoyu , Fu Jiaxin , Yao Kun , Chang Yongxin , Yang Li , Xu Kuoxi 
Published: March 2018

AbstractTwo novel highly selective fluorescent sensors L‐1 and L‐2 for the determination of Al3+ ion were synthesized and characterized. The sensors acridine‐4,5‐diylbismethyl(bis(oxy))bis(2,1‐phenylene))bis‐(methylene))bis(azanediyl))bis(3‐phenylpropan‐1‐ol) (L‐1) and 2,2′‐acridine‐4,5‐diylbis(methylene(bis(oxy))bis(2,1‐phenylene))bis‐(methylene))bis(azanediyl))bis(propan‐1‐ol) (L‐2) showed “turn on” fluorescence response in the presence of Al3+ ion in DMSO/tris‐HCl (1:1, v:v, pH=7.2) buffer solution. Other cations viz. Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Fe2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cd2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Mn2+, Ba2+, Pb2+, Hg2+, Fe3+ and Eu3+ ions showed no appreciable change in fluorescence spectrum. The detection limits of L‐1 and L‐2 for Al3+ ion were at the parts per billion level. In addition, possible utilization of sensors as bio‐imaging fluorescent sensors to detect Al3+ in human cervical HeLa cells was also investigated by confocal fluorescence microscopy.
Multistimuli Responsive Supramolecular Polymeric Nanoparticles Formed by Calixpyridinium and Chondroitin 4‐Sulfate
Authors: Wang Kui , Ren Xiao‐Wei , Cui Jian‐Hua , Guo Jia‐Shuang , Xing Si‐Yang , Dou Hong‐Xi , Wang Meng‐Meng 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWe have successfully constructed multistimuli responsive supramolecular polymeric nanoparticles based on the complexation of calixpyridinium with polyanionic chondroitin 4‐sulfate. The nanoparticles are disassembled upon increasing pH from 6 to 9, while a pH‐responsive morphological conversion from spherical nanoparticles to nanorods is observed upon decreasing pH from 6 to 2. Adding a competitive guest can also disrupt the assembly, representing the host–guest inclusion response. Interestingly, an unexpected hyaluronidase‐responsive morphological conversion from spherical nanoparticles to wire‐like suprastructures rather than disassembly is also observed, as a result of the hyaluronidase‐induced cleavage of chondroitin 4‐sulfate. The multistimuli responsive morphological conversion property with various dimensions, along with the facile preparation, will make this supramolecular polymeric assembly approach well‐suitable for a variety of important material applications.
Amplification‐Free Multi‐RNA‐Type Profiling for Cancer Risk Stratification via Alternating Current Electrohydrodynamic Nanomixing
Authors: Koo Kevin M. , Dey Shuvashis , Trau Matt 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSimultaneous analysis of messenger RNA (mRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA)—multi‐RNA‐type profiling—is increasingly crucial in cancer diagnostics. Yet, rapid multi‐RNA‐type profiling is challenging due to enzymatic amplification reliance and RNA‐type‐dependent characteristics. Here, a nanodevice is reported to uniquely use alterable alternating current electrohydrodynamic (ac‐EHD) forces to enhance probe–target hybridization prior to direct native RNA target detection, without target amplification or surface functionalization. To exemplify clinical applicability, noninvasive screening of next‐generation prostate cancer (PCa) RNA biomarkers (of different types) in patient urine samples is performed. A strong correlation between multi‐RNA‐type expression and aggressive PCa is found, and the nanodevice performance is statistically evaluated. It is believed that this miniaturized system exhibits great potential for cancer risk stratification via multi‐RNA‐type profiling.