bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk‐based approach versus culture‐based screening for identification of group B streptococci among women in labor
Authors: Khalil Mohammed R. , Uldbjerg Niels , Thorsen Poul B. , Møller Jens K. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo compare a risk‐based and culture‐based screening approach for identification of group B streptococci (GBS) vaginal colonization using an intrapartum rectovaginal culture as the reference standard.MethodsPregnant women attending the prenatal clinic at Lillebaelt Hospital, Kolding, Denmark, between April 1, 2013, and June 30, 2014, were invited to participate in a prospective observational study. For prepartum culture‐based screening, vaginal and rectal culture samples were obtained and, for reference, standard, paired vaginal and rectal culture samples were collected during labor. Risk factors for risk‐based screening were previous early‐onset GBS, GBS bacteriuria during pregnancy, maternal temperature ≥38.0°C intrapartum, and rupture of membranes for more than 18 hours.ResultsThe intrapartum rectovaginal GBS colonization rate was 30% (32/108) among participants with risk factors and 15% (123/794) among participants without risk factors. Culture‐based screening demonstrated a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and positive likelihood ratio in predicting intrapartum GBS carriage of 78% (95% confidence interval [CI] 71–84), 95% (94–97), 78% (70–84), 95% (94–97), and 17 (12–23), respectively; for risk‐based screening, these values were 21% (15–28), 90% (87–92), 30% (22–38), 85% (83–86), and 2 (1–3), respectively.ConclusionsCulture‐based screening performed considerably better than a risk‐based approach in identifying intrapartum GBS colonization.
Perspective: Appendage regeneration in amphibians and some reptiles derived from specific evolutionary histories
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSome hypotheses on the evolution of regeneration in amphibians and reptiles are presented. Amphibian regeneration is derived from metamorphosis present in sarcopterygian fish and amphibians of the Devonian‐Carboniferous. The genetic ability to rebuild organs during metamorphosis was maintained in form of “regeneration” in urodele and anuran tadpoles. Amphibian regeneration may be a consequence of the transition from an aquatic to a terrestrial environment through the evolution of a developmental program for the tadpole stage and replacements of adult organs controlled by the endocrine and immune system. Following metamorphosis, the regeneration program for terrestrial anurans and amniotes was lost or modified, whereas the immune system involved in self‐integrity and microbial protection became in charge of regeneration that was replaced by scarring. Among amniotes only lizards regenerate an organ as large and complex as the tail. It is hypothesized that in Permian captorhinids and in Triassic lizards (eosuchians) a regenerative blastema evolved in relation to autotomy, a unique phenomenon present in these reptiles that enhanced survival against the larger predators of the Permian‐Mesozoic. Appendage regeneration in amphibians and lizards occurs after the migration of activated mesenchymal and epidermal cells in the wounded areas to form soft and hyaluronate‐rich blastemas. Autotomy and production of high hyaluronate levels allows high hydration and immunosuppression, favoring regeneration. It is suggested that a way for regenerative medicine to induce limb regeneration in humans is to develop medical procedures to recreate soft blastemas that can grow, a long and difficult process because it counteracts mammalian evolution toward scarring.
Analytical kinetic study of steel corrosion inhibition by Na3PO4 in synthetic concrete solutions
Authors: Sail Latefa , Benbrahim Alaaeddine , Mekami Mohamed 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe inhibitory effect of sodium phosphate Na3PO4 has been studied previously by gravimetric measurements, and the maximum efficiency was recorded at a concentration of 7.5 × 10−3 mol/L, it reached more than 70% in synthetic concrete pore solution. The influence of immersion time on this optimal concentration was followed by the same gravimetric method; the results obtained show that the inhibitory efficiency decreases slightly with time. In addition, two other parameters that condition the kinetics of corrosion inhibition have been treated, which are the pH of the initial time and final time solution as well as the variation of temperature on the evolution of the inhibitory efficiencies. The increase in temperature slightly decreases inhibitory efficiencies. It is found that the efficiency of sodium phosphate at 25°C reached a value of 69.28% for the optimum concentration of 7.5 × 10−3. While at 35 and 45°C, it attained 68.08% and 63.31%, respectively, for the same concentration. The thermodynamic study reveals that the adsorption of the inhibitory molecules on the metal surface follows the Langmuir adsorption model and that is a physical adsorption.
Validation of a septoplasty deformity grading system for the evaluation of nasal obstruction
Authors: Gu Jeffrey T. , Kaplan Sherrie , Greenfield Sheldon , Calloway Hollin , Wong Brian J. F. 
Published: November 2018

Objectives/HypothesisWe developed and validated a septal deformity grading (SDG) system that accounts for anatomic location and grading of deformity severity.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.MethodsSubjects were patients with nasal obstruction presenting to University of California, Irvine Medical Center. Subjects were given pre‐ and postoperative Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) questionnaires and were evaluated by a facial plastic surgeon using our septal deformity grading (SDG) system. Validity and reliability analyses were conducted on the SDG results. Statistical analyses were conducted on SDG and NOSE data to assess and compare instruments, and to validate the SDG instrument using the NOSE instrument.ResultsOne hundred thirty‐five patients met inclusion criteria. Cronbach's α was ≥ 0.7 for SDG and pre‐ and postoperative NOSE scores. There was a significant difference in pre‐ and postoperative NOSE scores (Z score = −7.21, P < .001). Correlations between postoperative NOSE and SDG scores were significant (P = .014), and convergent construct validity was achieved. There was a significant difference in SDG scores between primary versus revision operations (P < .001), history versus no history of nasal trauma, and nasal/septal surgery (P = .025, P = .003, respectively). The odds of having a revision operation were 2.3 times higher for high SDG scores (P < .001), of having a history of nasal trauma were 1.33 times higher for high SDG scores (P = .014), and of having a history of nasal/septal surgery were 2.9 times higher for low SDG scores.ConclusionsOur SDG system addresses the challenge of providing objective anatomic information on the severity of nasal septal deformities, and may be valuable when used in conjunction with subjective data gathered from the NOSE questionnaire.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 129:586–593, 2019
The effects of cryotherapy on vocal fold healing in a rabbit model
Authors: Gong Ting , Zhang Chi , Kang Jing , Lou Zhewei , Scholp Austin , Jiang Jack J. 
Published: November 2018

Objectives/HypothesisCryotherapy has been shown to be a scarless treatment modality for dermal lesions; however, there are limited data addressing the effect of cryotherapy on vocal fold tissue. The aim of this study was to clarify the effectiveness of cryotherapy for prevention of postsurgical vocal fold scarring.Study DesignProspective animal study in rabbits.MethodsThe lamina propria of 20 rabbit vocal folds was bilaterally stripped, followed by randomized unilateral cryotherapy. Five larynges were harvested for real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis at 1 day, 3 days, and 7 days postinjury. The remaining five were harvested for histologic analysis at 3 months. Images of the healing phase were recorded by laryngoscopy. Analyses of RT‐PCR for cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2, interleukin (IL)‐6, collagen I, collagen III, matrix metallopeptidase 1 (MMP1), transforming growth factor β (TGFβ1), α smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), and hyaluronan synthase 1 (HAS1) were completed. Histological samples were completed for collagen and hyaluronic acid analysis.ResultsRT‐PCR results revealed that higher expressions of HAS1 and MMP1 and lower expressions of COX‐2, IL‐6, collagen I, collagen III, TGFβ1, and α‐SMA were observed, and histological examination showed significantly increased hyaluronic acid, decreased deposition, and more organized configuration of collagen in injury with the cryotherapy cohort compared with the injury cohort.ConclusionsCryotherapy can inhibit the inflammatory reaction and simulate a fetal healing environment in extracellular matrix synthesis to regenerate vocal fold tissue with less fibrosis. Histological results showed that cryotherapy achieves a mature healing result with less scar, which tends to return to normal. In summary, the findings of this study suggest that administration of cryotherapy at the time of injury has the potential to minimize vocal fold scarring.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 129:E151–E157, 2019
Acute inflammatory response to contrast agent aspiration and its mechanisms in the rat lung
Authors: Ueha Rumi , Nativ‐Zeltzer Nogah , Sato Taku , Goto Takao , Nito Takaharu , Belafsky Peter C , Yamasoba Tatsuya 
Published: November 2018

Objectives/HypothesisContrast agent (CA) aspiration is an established complication of upper gastrointestinal and videofluoroscopic swallow studies. The underlying molecular biological mechanisms of acute response to CA aspiration in the respiratory organs remain unclear. The aims of this study were to elucidate the histological and biological influences of three kinds of CAs on the lung and to clarify the differences in acute responses.Study DesignAnimal model.MethodsEight‐week‐old male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups (n = 6 in each group). Three groups underwent tracheal instillation of one of three different CAs: barium (Ba) sulfate, nonionic contrast agents (NICAs), and ionic contrast agents (ICAs). A control group was instilled with saline and a sham group was instilled with air. All animals were euthanized on day 2 after treatment and histological and gene analysis was performed.ResultsNo animal died after CA or control/sham aspiration. Ba caused severe histopathologic changes and more prominent inflammatory cell infiltration in the lungs compared with the two other iodinated contrast agents. Increases in expressions of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor [Tnf], interleukin‐1β [Il1b], and interferon‐γ [Ifng]) were observed in Ba aspiration rats, and upregulation of Il1b was seen in ICA aspiration rats. NICA did not cause obvious histologic changes or expressions of inflammatory cytokines and fibrosis‐related genes in the lungs.ConclusionsBa caused significantly more acute lung inflammation in a rodent model than did ioinic and nonionic iodinated CAs. Nonionic contrast did not cause any discernible inflammatory response in the lungs, suggesting that it may be the safest contrast for videofluoroscopic swallow studies.Level of EvidenceNALaryngoscope, 129:1533–1538, 2019
Selective Recognition of Fe(III) in Aqueous Environment over Covalently‐Bonded Tb‐Complex‐Containing Fluorescent Porous Copolymer Microspheres
Authors: Zhang Chunyan , Luo Jianxin , Li Wenjun , Ou Lijuan , Yu Guipeng , Pan Chunyue 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAn environment‐friendly synthesis of a covalently bonded terbium(Tb)‐complex‐containing monodispersed fluorescent porous copolymer microspheres, and their highly selective detection of Fe3+ are described. The as‐made copolymer microspheres exhibit intense green fluorescence originating from Tb ions and high photostability in water. Encouragingly, the fluorescence of the copolymer microspheres can be selectively quenched by trace Fe3+ due to the interaction between Fe3+ and the ligands, which disturbs the coordination structure of Tb‐complexes and inhibits the energy transfer from ligands to Tb ions. The intense fluorescence intensity, high fluorescence stability, together with the nanoscale and porous nature of the copolymer microsphere endows them with wide detection range (0–1500 µm) and low detection limit (2.1 µm) for selective recognition of Fe3+ in aqueous environment. This study paves a new pathway for the function of porous copolymer microspheres being used as targeting for biological detection and environmental issues.
η3‐π‐Allyl Acetoxyl Ni Complex, an Efficient Initiator for Synthesis of Hydroxyl‐Terminated Polybutadiene with High cis‐1,4 Unit Content
Authors: Min Xin , Fan Xiaodong 
Published: November 2018

AbstractA novel Ni‐based initiator is designed and synthesized for obtaining a hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) with higher cis‐1,4 unit content (≥90%). By investigating the effect of the butadiene skeleton structure and counterion on initiating efficiency, it is found that [η3‐Ni(CH2CHCHCH2OOCH3)][BPhF
4] complex is a feasible combination to be used as an initiator. 1H‐NMR data prove that the initiator structure obtained is in accordance with the original design. The result of 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, FT‐IR confirms that HTPB synthesized not only gains a significant amount in cis‐1,4 unit content (≥90%) compared with the HTPBs by free radical and anionic polymerizations, but also its molecular weight and molecular weight distribution can be effectively controlled during synthesis process. Because of the much higher cis‐1,4 unit content, the glass‐transition temperature of HTPB obtained via [η3‐Ni(CH2CHCHCH2OOCH3)][BPhF
4] is markedly reduced; as a result, its low‐temperature mechanical property can also be significantly improved.
Sulfur Chemistry in Polymer and Materials Science
Authors: Mutlu Hatice , Ceper Ezgi Berfin , Li Xiaohui , Yang Jingmei , Dong Wenyuan , Ozmen Mehmet Murat , Theato Patrick 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSulfur and its functional groups are major players in an area of exciting research taking place in modern polymer and materials science, both in academia and industry. In fact, manifold sulfur‐based reactions that are both exceptionally versatile as well as tremendously useful have been implemented, and further utilized for the design and preparation of polymeric materials that lead to a plethora of applications ranging from medicine to optics and nanotechnology to separation science. Hence, within this review, an overview of strategies and developments used over the last 5 years to reinforce the importance of the sulfur functional group in modern polymer and materials science is presented. In particular, many important references in the primary literature of sulfur chemistry are referred to, including thiol–ene, thiol–yne, thiol–Michael addition, disulfide cross‐linking, and thiol–disulfide exchange, among others, by explaining and illustrating the important principles. Last but not least, the grand aim to underpin the importance of sulfur in modern polymer and materials science is achieved by presenting selected examples in diverse fields and postulating the respective potential for real‐world applications.
Design and fabrication of a high gain, low cost, LHCP Fabry‐Perot antenna at Ku band
Authors: Azizi Yousef , Komjani Nader , Karimipour Majid 
Published: November 2018

AbstractA single‐layer left‐handed circularly polarized (CP) Fabry‐Perot cavity antenna (FPCA) with stable gain performance around at the center frequency is designed, fabricated and tested at 14.5 GHz. The FPCA is fed by a linearly polarized (LP) microstrip patch aligned along slant 45° and is composed of single‐layer double‐sided top layer, which is designed to act as partially reflecting surface (PRS) and polarizer simultaneously, and a high impedance surface (HIS) as a ground layer. Several classes of unit cell configurations are investigated for top layer of FPCA to meet the requirements of CP behavior of antenna on the best form. Employing the transmission line model, the design process of PRS and polarizer is accelerated. It is done by estimating the initial value of unit cell parameters. Circuit model of unit cell configurations is introduced to ADS software and corresponding value of the element dimensions are optimized based on desired reflection and transmission coefficients of PRS which are essentially enforced by well‐known ray optics model. After optimizing design parameters of PRS in CST MWS by considering periodic boundary condition to account for mutual coupling effects and also tuning the HIS layer dimension to satisfy the resonance condition, the final structure can be assembled and simulated that have a 16.5 dB peak gain and good performance. Measurement results show that the antenna has roughly 15 dBi peak gain, the axial ratio (AR), return loss and 3 dB realized gain bandwidths (BW) of 7%, 1.7%, and 5%, respectively, at 14.5 GHz which are good achievements.
Investigating the role of attachment styles, dysfunctional attitudes, and spirituality in predicting membership in addicted and non‐addicted groups
Authors: Karimi Zahra , Haghshenas Leila , Mohtashami Tayebeh , Dehkordi Mahnaz Aliakbari 
Published: November 2018

AbstractDrug addiction as a biological, psychological, and social issue affects all dimensions of one's life. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of attachment styles, dysfunctional attitudes, and spirituality in predicting membership in addicted and non‐addicted groups. This was a cross‐sectional study conducted on 60 addicted people and 60 non‐addicted people. The Adult Attachment Scale of Hazan and Shaver, Allport Religious Orientation Scale, and the 26‐item Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (DAS‐26) were used to measure the variables. Based on the results, which were analyzed by logistic regression analysis, the variables of attachment style and dysfunctional attitude can significantly predict drug addiction (p < .001). However, avoidant attachment style and spirituality cannot predict readiness for addiction. The results of this study indicate the importance of safe and ambivalent attachment styles and dysfunctional attitudes. Thus, attending to these factors in studies and interventions related to the treatment of substance abuse disorders is essential.
A descriptive epidemiological study on the treatment options for head and neck cancer: Transition before and after approval of cetuximab
Authors: Yamada Shuhei , Sato Izumi , Kawakami Koji 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPurposeChemoradiotherapy is among the effective treatment modalities for head and neck cancer (HNC). We aimed to elucidate the factors affecting drug selection by describing the actual situation of chemoradiotherapy for HNC in Japan and the transition in treatment selection before and after the approval of cetuximab.MethodWe used a claims database involving multiple hospitals nationwide. The study included patients diagnosed with HNC between April 2008 and August 2015 who underwent chemoradiotherapy. The anticancer drugs used were categorized into four groups, namely, cetuximab, cisplatin, other platinum agents, and other agents. After assessing patient background and transition in concomitant drugs, we performed multinomial logistic regression analysis to determine factors that affect patient drug selection.ResultsThis study analyzed 2777 patients whose median age was 66 years. A cisplatin‐based regimen remained the most commonly used concomitant drug even after cetuximab approval. In multinomial logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) in terms of age (66 y or older vs less than 65 y) relative to the cisplatin group were 3.01 (95% CI, 2.26‐4.02) for the cetuximab group; 1.76 (95% CI, 1.22‐2.48) for the other platinum agent group; and 3.09 (95% CI, 2.39‐3.99) for the other agent group.ConclusionThis study showed the current practices in concomitant medication used in chemoradiotherapy for HNC patients in Japan, the transition in anticancer drugs used before and after cetuximab approval, and the factors affecting the selection of concomitant drugs.
The Effect of ζ‐Potential and Hydrodynamic Size on Nanoparticle Interactions in Hydrogels
Authors: Kim Si Hyun , Lee Byoungsang , Heo Jun Hyuk , Lee Kyung Eun , Shankar Prabakaran , Han Kwon‐Hoon , Lee Jung Heon 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe ζ‐potential and hydrodynamic size (dh) of nanoparticles (NPs) are systematically controlled by capping gold NPs (AuNPs) with polymers having different charges and treating them in NaCl solutions of diverse concentrations. Interactions between AuNPs in hydrogel are caused by chemical reactions induced by 1,4‐dithiothreitol. The effect of ζ‐potential is clear, as negatively charged AuNPs can be aggregated in neutral agarose gel, but the amount of aggregation is significantly affected by the magnitude of the negative surface charge on the AuNPs. However, all positively charged AuNPs show negligible aggregation in agarose gel with slightly negative polarity. The effect of dh on AuNP aggregation is different from that of ζ‐potential. Although AuNPs with small dh generally show more aggregation than those with large dh, the amount of AuNP capping layer is critical. Thus, the amount of polymer present on NP surface needs to be considered to investigate the effect of dh on AuNP aggregation. Through extended Derjaguin, Landau, Verwey, Overbeek (XDLVO) theory, it is shown that the charges of the AuNPs and the hydrogel, as well as the dh of the NPs, are related to electrostatic repulsion and steric hindrance, which affect AuNP aggregation in hydrogel.