bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In situ synthesis of SiC nanowire porous layer on carbon/carbon composites
Authors: Li Tao , Zhang Yulei , Sun Jia , Ren Jincui , Zhang Pengfei , Fu Yanqin , Wang Haohao , Zhang Leilei 
Published: October 2017

AbstractSiC nanowire porous layer was synthesized in situ by a simple two‐step technique involving slurry painting and high temperature heat‐treatment without catalyst assist. The proposed method is effective and low‐cost, which can prepare plentiful and high‐purity SiC nanowires (SiCNWs). The microstructure of SiCNWs and the effects of heat‐treatment temperatures on the synthesis of SiCNWs were investigated in detail. Results show that the as‐synthesized NWs consisted of 3C–SiC, with the length of up to several hundred micrometers and the diameter of 50‐100 nm at 1500°C. Meanwhile, the diameter of SiCNW increases with the increasing of heat‐treatment temperature. The growth process of the SiCNWs can be controlled by the vapor‐solid growth mechanism. After introducing SiCNWs into the SiC coating prepared by pack cementation, the elastic modulus of the nanowire‐toughened SiC coating was increased by 35% compared to SiC coating without SiCNWs.
Supramolecular aggregation of aquaporin‐4 is different in muscle and brain: correlation with tissue susceptibility in neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Rosito Stefania , Nicchia Grazia Paola , Palazzo Claudia , Lia Anna , Buccoliero Cinzia , Pisani Francesco , Svelto Maria , Trojano Maria , Frigeri Antonio 
Published: October 2017

AbstractNeuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) caused by autoantibodies (NMO‐IgG) against the water channel aquaporin‐4 (AQP4). Though AQP4 is also expressed outside the CNS, for example in skeletal muscle, patients with NMO generally do not show clinical/diagnostic evidence of skeletal muscle damage. Here, we have evaluated whether AQP4 supramolecular organization is at the basis of the different tissue susceptibility. Using immunofluorescence we found that while the sera of our cohort of patients with NMO gave typical perivascular staining in the CNS, they were largely negative in the skeletal muscle. This conclusion was obtained using human, rat and mouse skeletal muscle including the AQP4‐KO mouse. A biochemical analysis using a new size exclusion chromatography approach for AQP4 suprastructure fractionation revealed substantial differences in supramolecular AQP4 assemblies and isoform abundance between brain and skeletal muscle matching a lower binding affinity of NMO‐IgG to muscle compared to the brain. Super‐resolution microscopy analysis with g‐STED revealed different AQP4 organization in native tissues, while in the brain perivascular astrocyte endfoot membrane AQP4 was mainly organized in large interconnected and raft‐like clusters, in the sarcolemma of fast‐twitch fibres AQP4 aggregates often appeared as small, relatively isolated linear entities. In conclusion, our results provide evidence that AQP4 supramolecular structure is different in brain and skeletal muscle, which is likely to result in different tissues susceptibility to the NMO disease.
Safety of the batteries and power units used in insulin pumps: A pilot cross‐sectional study by the Association for the Study of Innovative Diabetes Treatment in Japan
Authors: Murata Takashi , Nirengi Shinsuke , Sakane Naoki , Kuroda Akio , Hirota Yushi , Matsuhisa Munehide , Namba Mitsuyoshi , Kobayashi Tetsuro ,   The Association for the Study of Innovative Diabetes Treatment in Japan (ASINDTJ)
Published: October 2017

AbstractAims/IntroductionWe investigated the safety of the batteries and power units used in insulin pumps in Japan.Materials and MethodsA self‐administered questionnaire was sent to the 201 members of the Association for Innovative Diabetes Treatment in Japan.ResultsA total of 56 members responded, and among the 1,499 active devices, 66 had episodes of trouble related to the batteries and power units. The ratio of reported troubles to the number of insulin pumps was significantly higher in insulin pumps with a continuous glucose monitoring sensor compared with insulin pumps without a continuous glucose monitoring sensor (odds ratio 2.82, P < 0.05). The cause and the consequences varied. The brands of the batteries varied; alkaline batteries purchased at drug stores and other shops accounted for 19.7%. Termination of battery life within 72 h of use was reported most frequently (50.0%), suspension of the insulin pump (21.2%) and leakage of the battery fluid (4.5%) followed. A total of 53.2% of the reported insulin pumps needed to be replaced, and 37.1% of them recovered after replacement of the battery.ConclusionsAs trouble related to the batteries and power units of insulin pumps was frequent, practical guidance should be provided to respective patients regarding the use of reliable batteries, and to be well prepared for unexpected insulin pump failure.
Gram‐negative bacterial toe web infection – a systematic review
Authors: Weidner T. , Tittelbach J. , Illing T. , Elsner P. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractGram‐negative bacterial toe web infection (GNBTWI) is a frequent therapeutic challenge in clinical practice with high recurrence rates and frequent need of systemic drugs. The aim of this systematic review was to provide an updated overview and evidence‐based data on pathogens, risk factors and treatment of GNBTWI along with promoting a consistent international terminology. This systematic review is based on a search in PubMed database for English and German articles published between 1980 and 2016. A total of seven articles were considered appropriate for inclusion in this review regarding to treatment and outcome. Throughout the medical literature, a variety of terms for bacterial toe web infections is used. Only few data on the incidence of GNBTWI were published. GNBTWI has been shown to have a significant male predominance. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most commonly identified organism beside a high mixed infection rate. We identified the following predisposing factors: interdigital tinea, occlusion and humidity, history of self‐medication with antifungals, antibiotics and glucocorticosteroids. As for treatment, debridement of macerated skin lesions and the hyperkeratotic rim showed good response in three published cases. Bacteriological workup of swabs including an antibiogram is recommended for identification of the proper topical and systemic therapy. Autosensitization dermatitis and frequent recurrences are common complications of GNBTWI. Despite the fact, that GNBTWI is an accepted disease entity, scarce data on GNBTWI exist in the medical literature. Randomized controlled trials are missing although needed for evidence‐based therapy. To facilitate communication and exchange of updates of GNBTWI, we promote the suggested terminology for bacterial toe web diseases.
Treatment of prurigo with methotrexate: a multicentre retrospective study of 39 cases
Authors: Klejtman T. , Beylot‐Barry M. , Joly P. , Richard M.A. , Debarbieux S. , Misery L. , Wolkenstein P. , Chosidow O. , Ingen‐Housz‐Oro S. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundPrurigo is a common primary pruritic condition. Treatment is challenging. Methotrexate (MTX) is effective for the treatment of pruriginous dermatoses, but its use in prurigo has been little studied.ObjectivesTo investigate the efficacy and safety of MTX in the treatment of difficult‐to‐treat prurigo.MethodsPatients from six university dermatology departments treated with MTX between 2006 and 2016 for difficult‐to‐treat prurigo (i.e. with failure to conventional therapies) were included in this retrospective multicentre study. Patients with other pruritic dermatoses were excluded. Clinical efficacy was recorded after 3, 6 and 12 months of treatment: (i) subjective efficacy, that is, evaluation of the pruritus by the patient and (ii) objective efficacy, that is, assessment of cutaneous lesions by the physician: complete or almost complete remission (CR) (healing of lesions), partial remission (PR) (incomplete improvement of lesions) or failure (no improvement or worsening). The overall response rate (ORR) included CR and PR.ResultsThirty‐nine patients with previous failure of topical steroids, H1‐antihistamine drugs or phototherapy were included. The median weekly dose of MTX was 15 mg (range 5–25 mg). The median follow‐up was 16 months (2–108). The mean time between onset of MTX and objective efficacy was 2.4 ± 1.2 months and the mean duration of response was 19 ± 15 months. The ORR was 91% at 3 months [n = 36, CI 95% (81.2–100.8%), CR 44%], 94% at 6 months [n = 32, CI 95% (85.7–102.2%), CR 56%] and 89% at 12 months [n = 28, CI 95% (77.4–100.6%), CR 57%]. Seven patients stopped MTX because of failure, and five because of the discovery of hepatocarcinoma (n = 1), elevated transaminases (n = 1), infectious pneumonitis (n = 1) or gastrointestinal symptoms (n = 2).ConclusionMethotrexate is a therapeutic option in difficult‐to‐treat prurigo.
Apremilast for the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe palmoplantar psoriasis: results from a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized study
Authors: Bissonnette R. , Haydey R. , Rosoph L.A. , Lynde C.W. , Bukhalo M. , Fowler J.F. , Delorme I. , Gagné‐Henley A. , Gooderham M. , Poulin Y. , Barber K. , Jenkin P. , Landells I. , Pariser D.M. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundPalmoplantar psoriasis is a variant of psoriasis vulgaris which can severely impair quality of life.ObjectivesThe main objectives of this double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized study were to assess the efficacy and impact on quality of life and work productivity of apremilast for the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe palmoplantar psoriasis.MethodsA total of 100 patients with moderate‐to‐severe palmoplantar psoriasis were randomized to either apremilast 30 mg bid or placebo for 16 weeks. At Week 16, all patients received apremilast 30 mg bid until Week 32. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved a Palmoplantar Psoriasis Physician Global Assessment (PPPGA) of 0/1 at Week 16.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the proportion of patients who achieved a PPPGA of 0/1 at Week 16 between patients randomized to apremilast (14%) and placebo (4%; P = 0.1595). After 32 weeks of treatment with apremilast, 24% of patients achieved a PPGA of 0/1. In addition, apremilast was superior to placebo in achieving Palmoplantar Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PPPASI) 75 (apremilast: 22%; placebo: 8%; P = 0.0499), in improving PPPASI (apremilast: −7.4 ± 7.1; placebo: −3.6 ± 5.9; P = 0.0167), Dermatology Life Quality Index score (apremilast: −4.3 ± 5.1; placebo: −0.8 ± 4.5; P = 0.0004) and in reducing activity impairment (apremilast: −11.0 ± 22.3; placebo: 2.5 ± 25.5; P = 0.0063).ConclusionDespite the absence of a significant difference between apremilast and placebo in proportion of patients achieving a PPPGA of 0/1, the presence of significant differences observed for several secondary endpoints suggests that apremilast may have a role in the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe palmoplantar psoriasis.
Reflectance confocal microscopy identification of subclinical basal cell carcinomas during and after vismodegib treatment
Authors: Couzan C. , Cinotti E. , Labeille B. , Vercherin P. , Rubegni P. , Cambazard F. , Perrot J.L. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundRecently, it has been shown that reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) could identify subclinical basal cell carcinoma (BCC) during vismodegib treatment of locally advanced BCC.ObjectivesTo evaluate specificity and sensitivity of clinical, dermoscopic and RCM examination for BCC in patients with multiple BCCs treated by vismodegib.MethodsNinety four BCCs had 710 clinical, dermoscopic and RCM examinations during 72 weeks of vismodegib treatment. Thirty‐eight were biopsied at the end of the treatment. Sensitivity and specificity for these 38 lesions were calculated. BCC diagnoses of clinical, dermoscopic and RCM examination on all the 710 investigations were compared using chi‐square test.ResultsReflectance confocal microscopy was extremely more sensitive than dermoscopy and clinical examination and slightly less specific (sensitivity of 95%, 35% and 33% and specificity of 81%, 88% and 86% for RCM, dermoscopy and clinical examination, respectively) for the identification of residual BCC in the 38 biopsied cases. Considering all the 710 observations, RCM correctly diagnosed more BCCs than dermoscopy and clinical examination.ConclusionReflectance confocal microscopy is a non‐invasive technique that can detect subclinical residual BCC during and after vismodegib treatment helping the clinician to identify incomplete tumour regression.
A phase 2a randomized controlled study to evaluate the pharmacokinetic, safety, tolerability and clinical effect of topically applied Umeclidinium in subjects with primary axillary hyperhidrosis
Authors: Nasir A. , Bissonnette R. , Maari C. , DuBois J. , Pene Dumitrescu T. , Haddad J. , Yamaguchi Y. , Dalessandro M. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundHyperhidrosis is a common medical condition which can have a significant impact on quality of life. Umeclidinium (UMEC) is a long‐acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) developed as a dermal formulation.ObjectivesThis 2‐week, double‐blind, randomized, vehicle‐controlled study evaluated systemic exposure, safety and tolerability of topically administered UMEC in subjects with primary axillary hyperhidrosis. Clinical effect was a secondary objective, measured by gravimetry and the hyperhidrosis disease severity scale (HDSS). Vehicle was included to evaluate safety.MethodsTwenty‐three subjects were randomized to either 1.85% UMEC (N = 18) or vehicle (N = 5) once daily.ResultsMeasurable plasma concentrations were observed in 78% of subjects after the treatment. Nine subjects (50%) on UMEC and two subjects (40%) on vehicle reported AEs, most commonly application site reactions. At Day 15, seven subjects (41%) in UMEC and two subjects (40%) in vehicle had at least a 50% reduction in sweat production. Eight subjects (47%) in UMEC and one subject (20%) in vehicle had at least a two‐point reduction in HDSS. No comparisons of treatment arms were planned prospectively.ConclusionsThe measurable exposure, acceptable safety and preliminary clinical activity observed in this proof‐of‐concept study suggest the potential clinical utility of topical UMEC in subjects with axillary hyperhidrosis.
Defining the actinic keratosis field: a literature review and discussion
Authors: Figueras Nart I. , Cerio R. , Dirschka T. , Dréno B. , Lear J.T. , Pellacani G. , Peris K. , Ruiz de Casas A. ,   Progressing Evidence in AK (PEAK) Working Group
Published: October 2017

AbstractDespite the chronic and increasingly prevalent nature of actinic keratosis (AK) and existing evidence supporting assessment of the entire cancerization field during clinical management, a standardized definition of the AK field to aid in the understanding and characterization of the disease is lacking. The objective of this review was to present and appraise the available evidence describing the AK cancerization field, with the aim of determining a precise definition of the AK field in terms of its molecular (including genetic and immunological), histological and clinical characteristics. Eight European dermatologists collaborated to conduct a review and expert appraisal of articles detailing the characteristics of the AK field. Articles published in English before August 2016 were identified using PubMed and independently selected for further assessment according to predefined preliminary inclusion and exclusion criteria. In addition, a retrospective audit of patients with AK was performed to define the AK field in clinical terms. A total of 32 review articles and 47 original research articles provided evidence of sun‐induced molecular (including genetic and immunological) and histological skin changes in the sun‐exposed area affected by AK. However, the available literature was deemed insufficient to inform a clinical definition of the AK field. During the retrospective audit, visible signs of sun damage in 40 patients with AK were assessed. Telangiectasia, atrophy and pigmentation disorders emerged as ‘reliable or very reliable’ indicators of AK field based on expert opinion, whereas ‘sand paper’ was deemed a ‘moderately reliable’ indicator. This literature review has revealed a significant gap of evidence to inform a clinical definition of the AK field. Therefore, the authors instead propose a clinical definition of field cancerization based on the identification of visible signs of sun damage that are reliable indicators of field cancerization based on expert opinion.
The implementation of knowledge dissemination in the prevention of occupational skin diseases
Authors: Wilke A. , Bollmann U. , Cazzaniga S. , Hübner A. , John S.M. , Karadzinska‐Bislimovska J. , Mijakoski D. , Šimić D. , Simon D. , Sonsmann F. , Stoleski S. , Weinert P. , Wulfhorst B. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundOccupational skin diseases (OSD) have a high medical, social, economic and political impact. Knowledge dissemination from research activities to key stakeholders involved in health care is a prerequisite to make prevention effective.ObjectivesTo study and prioritize different activity fields and stakeholders that are involved in the prevention of OSD, to reflect on their inter‐relationships, to develop a strategic approach for knowledge dissemination and to develop a hands‐on tool for OSD prevention projectsMethodsSeven different activity fields that are relevant in the prevention of OSD have been stepwise identified. This was followed by an impact analysis. Fifty‐five international OSD experts rated the impact and the influence of the activity fields for the prevention of OSD with a standardized questionnaire.ResultsActivity fields identified to have a high impact in OSD prevention are the political system, mass media and industry. The political system has a strong but more indirect effect on the general population via the educational system, local public health services or the industry. The educational system, mass media, industry and local public health services have a strong direct impact on the OSD ‘at risk’ worker. Finally, a hands‐on tool for future OSD prevention projects has been developed that addresses knowledge dissemination and different stakeholder needs.ConclusionSystematic knowledge dissemination is important to make OSD prevention more effective and to close the gap between research and practice. This study provides guidance to identify stakeholders, strategies and dissemination channels for systematic knowledge dissemination which need to be adapted to country‐specific structures, for example the social security system and healthcare systems. A key for successful knowledge dissemination is building linkages among different stakeholders, building strategic partnerships and gaining their support right from the inception phase of a project.
Evidence of evolutionary optimization of fatty acid length and unsaturation
Authors: Galván I. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe lipid composition of cell membranes exerts a crucial influence on cell physiology. Indeed, one double bond triggers membrane fluidity, essential for cell functionality, but additional double bonds increase the susceptibility to peroxidation, which produces reactive compounds that impair the viability of cells. It has therefore been suggested, but never tested in an extensive comparative context, that the composition of membrane fatty acids has been optimized during evolution. A similar prediction has been made for fatty acid chain length, on which susceptibility to peroxidation also depends. Here I tested for stabilizing selection on fatty acid composition by evaluating the fitting of the single stationary peak (SSP) model of evolution to a large data set from 107 species of birds, against alternative evolutionary models. I found that across‐species variation in average chain length and in the proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), but not in the proportion of polyunsaturated (PUFAs) nor saturated (SFAs) fatty acids, was better explained by SSP models than by other models. Results show optimum values of fatty acid chain length and proportion of MUFAs of 18 C atoms and 25.5% mol, respectively, the strength of stabilizing selection being particularly high in chain length. This is the first evidence of evolutionary optimization in fatty acid composition, suggesting that certain values may have been selected because of their adaptive capacity to minimize susceptibility to lipid peroxidation.
Sperm competition, but not major histocompatibility divergence, drives differential fertilization success between alternative reproductive tactics in Chinook salmon
Authors: Lehnert S. J. , Helou L. , Pitcher T. E. , Heath J. W. , Heath D. D. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractPost‐copulatory sexual selection processes, including sperm competition and cryptic female choice (CFC), can operate based on major histocompatibility (MH) genes. We investigated sperm competition between male alternative reproductive tactics [jack (sneaker) and hooknose (guard)] of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). Using a full factorial design, we examined in vitro competitive fertilization success of paired jack and hooknose males at three time points after sperm activation (0, 15 and 60 s) to test for male competition, CFC and time effects on male fertilization success. We also examined egg‐mediated CFC at two MH genes by examining both the relationship between competitive fertilization success and MH divergence as well as inheritance patterns of MH alleles in resulting offspring. We found that jacks sired more offspring than hooknose males at 0 s post‐activation; however, jack fertilization success declined over time post‐activation, suggesting a trade‐off between sperm speed and longevity. Enhanced fertilization success of jacks (presumably via higher sperm quality) may serve to increase sneaker tactic competitiveness relative to dominant hooknose males. We also found evidence of egg‐mediated CFC (i.e. female × male interaction) influencing competitive fertilization success; however, CFC was not acting on the MH genes as we found no relationship between fertilization success and MH II β1 or MH I α1 divergence and we found no deviations from Mendelian inheritance of MH alleles in the offspring. Our study provides insight into evolutionary mechanisms influencing variation in male mating success within alternative reproductive tactics, thus underscoring different strategies that males can adopt to attain success.