Tag: pubmed

J Colloid Interface Sci. 2021 Oct 4;608(Pt 2):1857-1867. doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2021.09.175. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study quantified the interfacial forces associated with end-grafted, statistical (AB) co-polymers of sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) and oligoethylene glycol methacrylate (OEGMA) (poly(SBMA-co-OEGMA)). Surface force apparatus measurements compared forces between mica and end-grafted copolymers containing 0, 40, or 80 mol% SBMA. Studies compared forces measured at low grafting density (weakly overlapping chains) and at high density (brushes). At high density, the range of repulsive forces did not change significantly with increasing SBMA content. By contrast, at low density, both the range and the amplitude of the repulsion increased with the percentage of SBMA in the chains. The ionic strength dependence of the film thickness and repulsive forces increased similarly with SBMA content, reflecting the increasing influence of charged monomers and their interactions with ions in solution. The forces could be described by models of simple polymers in good solvent. However, the forces and fitted model parameters change continuously with the SBMA content. The latter behavior suggests that ethyene glycol and sulfobetaine behave as non-interacting, miscible monomers that contribute independently to the interfacial forces. The results suggest that molecular scale properties of statistical poly (SBMA-co-OEGMA) films can be readily tuned by simple variation of the monomer ratios.

PMID:34752975 | DOI:10.1016/j.jcis.2021.09.175

Waste Manag. 2021 Nov 6;136:337-347. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2021.10.020. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Research on recycling has advanced across different disciplines, although the current knowledge about recycling behaviors at the corporate level remains elusive. While most studies on recycling are focused on households, there is no indication that people who recycle at home engage in similar behavior when at work. To understand how to facilitate recycling at work, this study investigates recycling behavior at work and its antecedents. The study adopts a sequential exploratory mixed method (MM) approach as its methodological framework, using semi-structured interviews and statistical analysis through structural equation modelling (SEM). According to the findings, factors such as types and volumes of waste, responsibility/accountability, personal control, recycling schemes, institutional supports, and group harmony contribute to recycling behavior in organizational settings. The study demonstrates contextual attributes’ contribution, particularly organizational support and social context of recycling to employees’ recycling behavior. For recycling to be normative at the corporate level, this MM study argues for the need to harmonize schemes within and across contexts. There is a need to install similar recycling schemes and facilities within and across waste generation contexts to reduce the recycling complexity and maintain consistency in recycling behavior. This study’s findings could assist waste planners and policymakers in designing effective waste management schemes that would contribute to the circular economy initiatives. We further discussed the implication of the study.

PMID:34752973 | DOI:10.1016/j.wasman.2021.10.020

Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2021 Oct;57(5):850-857. doi: 10.23736/S1973-9087.21.07301-9.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This paper updates and summarizes the current evidence informing rehabilitation of patients with COVID-19 and/or describing the consequences of the disease and its treatment.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Studies published from May 1^st to June 30^th, 2021 were selected, excluding descriptive studies and expert opinions. Papers were categorized according to study design, research question, COVID-19 phase, limitations of functioning of rehabilitation interest, and type of rehabilitation service involved. From this edition, we improved the quality assessment using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists for observational studies and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for randomized-controlled clinical trials (RCTs).

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Twenty-five, out of 3699 papers, were included. They were three RCTs, 13 cross-sectional studies and nine cohort studies. Twenty studies reported data on symptom prevalence (N.=13) or disease natural history (N.=7); and five studies reported intervention effectiveness at the individual level. All study participants were COVID survivors and 48% of studies collected information on participants 6 months or longer after COVID-19 onset. The most frequent risks of bias for RCTs concerned weaknesses in allocation concealment, blinding of therapists, and lack of intention-to-treat analysis. Most analytical studies failed to identify or deal with confounders, describe or deal with dropouts or eventually perform an appropriate statistical analysis.

CONCLUSIONS: Most studies in this updated review targeted the prevalence of limitations of functioning of rehabilitation interest in COVID-19 survivors. This is similar to past review findings; however, data in the new studies was collected at longer follow-up periods (up to one year after symptom onset) and in larger samples of participants. More RCTs and analytical observational studies are available, but the methodological quality of recently published studies is low. There is a need for good quality intervention efficacy and effectiveness studies to complement the rapidly expanding evidence from observational studies.

PMID:34749491 | DOI:10.23736/S1973-9087.21.07301-9

Transbound Emerg Dis. 2021 Nov 9. doi: 10.1111/tbed.14387. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Host immune response and virulence factors are key to disease susceptibility. However, there are no known association studies of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I and II alleles with chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection in the Latin American population. Here we aimed to identify HLA alleles present in patients with CHIKV infection versus healthy controls as well as the allelic association with the clinical spectrum of the disease. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of a community cohort and included patients aged 18 years and older with serologically confirmed CHIKV infection. HLA typing of HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-DRB1 alleles was performed. Two-by-two tables were used to establish associations between allele presence and clinical characteristics. Data from 65 patients with confirmed CHIKV infection were analyzed for HLA typing. CHIKV infection was significantly associated with the presence of HLA-A*68 (p = 0.005; odds ratio [OR]: 8.90; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.88-42.13), HLA-B*35 (p = 0.03; OR: 2.01; 95% CI: 1.06-3.86), HLA-DRB*01 (p<0.001; OR: 5.70; 95% CI: 1.95-16.59), HLA-DRB1*04 (p<0.001; OR: 7.37; 95% CI: 3.33-16.30), and HLA-DRB1*13 (p = 0.004; OR: 3.75; 95% CI: 1.50-9.39) alleles in patients versus healthy subjects. A statistically significant relationship was found between the presence of a rash on the face or abdomen and the presence of HLA-DRB1*04 (p = 0.028; OR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.11-9.15 and p = 0.007; OR: 4.33; 95% CI: 1.45-12.88, respectively). Our study demonstrated that, in our cohort, HLA type I and type II alleles are associated with CHIKV infection, and an HLA type II allele is associated with dermatological symptoms. Further research is needed to establish a path for future investigation of genes outside the HLA system to improve knowledge of the pathophysiology of CHIKV infection and its host-pathogen interaction. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:34752688 | DOI:10.1111/tbed.14387

Immun Inflamm Dis. 2021 Nov 9. doi: 10.1002/iid3.564. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is highly expressed by lymphocytes at skin sites affected by alopecia areata (AA). Variations in MCP-1 as well as in methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), a key enzyme related to many inflammatory pathologies, have been associated with several autoimmune disorders. This study was designed to test a possible association between MCP-1 and MTHFR variations and altered expression of their genes and the risk of AA.

METHODS: Blood samples of patients (60) suffering from AA as well as healthy subjects (60) were collected. Gene expression levels of MCP-1 and MTHFR were evaluated by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis. Moreover, MCP-1 rs1024611 (A-2518G) and MTHFR rs1801133 (C677T) polymorphisms were genotyped by using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assays.

RESULTS: In contrast to MCP-1, the MTHFR gene expression was found to be significantly higher in patients than in controls. Further stratification of the patients revealed that polymorphic genotypes in MCP-1 (AG + GG) and MTHFR (CT + TT) could significantly alter gene expression levels. Elevation of MCP-1 expression was significantly associated with the total number of variant MCP-1 and MTHFR alleles. However, no statistically significant difference was noticed in the genotypic distribution of MCP-1 and MTHFR variations between patients and controls.

CONCLUSION: In summary, despite MCP-1 rs1024611 and MTHFR rs1801133 variations are not associated with AA risk, they may implicate the disease pathogenesis by influencing MCP-1 activity.

PMID:34752683 | DOI:10.1002/iid3.564

Macromol Rapid Commun. 2021 Nov 9:e2100632. doi: 10.1002/marc.202100632. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

In this work, a block copolymer (BCP) consisting of poly((butyl methacrylate-co-benzophenone methacrylate-co-methyl methacrylate)-block-(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)) (P(BMA-co-BPMA-co-MMA)-b-P(HEMA)) was prepared by a two-step atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) procedure. The obtained molecular weight of the BCP was 55100 g mol^-1 featuring a poly(HEMA) content of 10 mol-% and about 10 mol-% of the benzophenone methacrylate as UV cross-linker within the statistical copolymer segment. BCP membranes were fabricated applying the self-assembly and non-solvent induced phase separation (SNIPS) process from a ternary solvent mixture of tetrahydrofuran (THF), 1,4-dioxane, and dimethylformamide (DMF); (2:1:1 in mass). The presence of a porous top layer of the integral asymmetric membrane featuring pores of about 30 nm was confirmed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). UV-mediated cross-linking protocols for the nanoporous membrane were adjusted to maintain the open and isoporous top layer of the stabilized membrane. The swelling capability of the non-cross-linked and cross-linked BCP membranes was investigated in water, water/ethanol mixture (1:1), and pure ethanol using atomic force microscopy (AFM), proving a stabilizing effect of the UV cross-linking on the porous structures. Finally, the influence of the herein described cross-linking protocols on water-flux measurements for the obtained membranes was explored. As a result, an increased swelling resistance for all tested solvents was found, leading to an increased water flux compared to the pristine membrane. The herein established UV-mediated cross-linking protocol is expected to pave the way to a new generation of porous and stabilized membranes within the fields of separation technologies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:34752668 | DOI:10.1002/marc.202100632

Mycoses. 2021 Nov 9. doi: 10.1111/myc.13392. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Onychomycosis is a difficult-to-treat fungal nail infection whose treatment can involve systemic or topical antifungal approaches.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and safety of terbinafine 10% nail lacquer in distal lateral subungual onychomycosis (DLSO).

PATIENTS/METHODS: Patients with mild-to-moderate DLSO were randomised (3:3:1) to receive double-blind topical terbinafine 10% (n = 406) or its vehicle (n = 410) administered once daily for 4 weeks and then once weekly for 44 weeks, or open-label topical amorolfine 5% (n = 137) for 48 weeks, with a 12-week follow-up period. The primary efficacy endpoint, complete cure rate at Week 60, was a composite of negative potassium hydroxide (KOH) microscopy, negative culture for dermatophytes and no residual clinical involvement of the target big toenail.

RESULTS: Complete cure rates at Week 60 in the terbinafine, vehicle and amorolfine groups were 5.67%, 2.20% and 2.92%, respectively (odds ratio (OR) vs vehicle = 2.68; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.22-5.86; p = .0138). Statistically significant differences in responder (negative KOH and negative culture and ≤10% residual clinical involvement) and mycological cure rates (negative KOH and negative culture) at Week 60 were obtained between terbinafine and vehicle. Terbinafine was well-tolerated with no systemic adverse reactions identified; the most common topical adverse reactions were erythema and skin irritation.

CONCLUSIONS: Terbinafine 10% nail lacquer was an effective treatment for mild-to-moderate onychomycosis improving both clinical and mycological criteria compared with vehicle. Furthermore, there may be some benefits compared to the currently available topical agent, amorolfine 5%. Treatment was well-tolerated and safe.

PMID:34752667 | DOI:10.1111/myc.13392

Magn Reson Med. 2021 Nov 9. doi: 10.1002/mrm.29065. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Before MR fingerprinting (MRF) can be adopted clinically, the derived quantitative values must be proven accurate and repeatable over a range of T₁ and T₂ values and temperatures. Correct assessment of accuracy and precision as well as comparison between measurements can only be performed when temperature is either controlled or corrected for. The purpose of this study was to investigate the temperature dependence of T₁ and T₂ MRF values and evaluate the accuracy and repeatability of temperature-corrected relaxation values derived from a B₁ -corrected MRF-fast imaging with steady-state precession implementation using 2 different dictionary sizes.

METHODS: The International Society of MR in Medicine/National Institute of Standards and Technology phantom was scanned using an MRF sequence of 2 different lengths, a variable flip angle T₁ , and a multi-echo spin echo T₂ at 14 temperatures ranging from 15°C to 28°C and investigated with a linear regression model. Temperature-corrected accuracy was evaluated by correlating T₁ and T₂ times from each MRF dictionary with reference values. Repeatability was assessed using the coefficient of variation, with measurements taken over 30 separate sessions.

RESULTS: There was a statistically significant fit of the model for MRF-derived T₁ and T₂ and temperature (p < 0.05) for all the spheres with a T₁ > 500 ms. Both MRF methods showed a strong linear correlation with reference values for T₁ (R² = 0.996) and T₂ (R² = 0.982). MRF repeatability for T₁ values was ≤1.4% and for T₂ values was ≤3.4%.

CONCLUSION: MRF demonstrated relaxation times with a temperature dependence similar to that of conventional mapping methods. Temperature-corrected T₁ and T₂ values from both dictionaries showed adequate accuracy and excellent repeatability in this phantom study.

PMID:34752644 | DOI:10.1002/mrm.29065

Scand J Psychol. 2021 Nov 9. doi: 10.1111/sjop.12780. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

The fifth version of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children is designed to measure five distinct aspects of intelligence, incorporating a new fluid reasoning index to the four indexes of the previous fourth version. Several factor analyses, however, have failed to support the fifth factor. The Scandinavian version is the only national version not showing clear superiority for the five-factor solution in the Manual. In the present study, we analyze WISC-V protocols from a clinical sample of 237 children tested with the new Scandinavian version. We perform six confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) testing three hierarchical-, two bifactor-, and one correlated candidate factor models. The study shows that the three-factor model does not fit the data, and that all four- and five-factor models showed good fit. The four-factor bifactor model was somewhat better than the five-bifactor and hierarchical models, but the correlated five-factor model was the superior model. Finding support for five-factors in a clinical sample representative of those most probable to be tested with the test, strengthen the claim that also the Scandinavian version measure a distinct fluid factor as intended by the test owners, and thus that clinicians may use the index scores as their main level of analysis. Review of previous CFAs show that the choice of statistical methods for CFA, bifactor or hierarchical/correlated, influence whether second order factor models are better than g-factor models.

PMID:34752640 | DOI:10.1111/sjop.12780

J Athl Train. 2021 Nov 1;56(11):1224-1231. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-0494.20.

ABSTRACT

CONTEXT: Secondary schools that offer school-sponsored athletic events should follow best-practice guidelines to provide policies that promote student health and safety.

OBJECTIVE: To assess emergency preparedness from the perspective of athletic administrators (AAs) in Iowa secondary schools.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional study.

SETTING: Online survey.

PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-eight AAs from Iowa completed the survey (age = 45.33 ± 10.22 years, years as an AA = 9.37 ± 8.14, years in current role = 7.72 ± 7.09).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES(S): The 6-section survey contained with questions about access to athletic trainers (ATs), emergency action plans (EAPs), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillators (AEDs), concussions, heat illness, and other general policies. Descriptive statistics (percentages and frequencies) were reported. Relative risk was calculated to compare schools with and those without access to ATs (P < .05).

RESULTS: Most respondents (76.5%, n = 75/98) reported their school had access to a licensed AT. The majority had a written EAP (83.3%, n = 70/84), but fewer than half (39.2%, n = 31/79) reviewed it annually and fewer than 10% (n = 6/85) reported practicing it each year. All respondents (100%, N = 78/78) stated they had an AED on campus. All respondents (N = 77/77) indicated that they were familiar with the Iowa High School Athletic Association’s (IHSAA’s) concussion policy and had a concussion guideline in place. Many respondents (95.9%, n = 71/74) described being familiar with the IHSAA’s heat illness policy, but more than half (62.1%, n = 41/66) noted they did not have a heat illness policy in place at their school.

CONCLUSIONS: Most respondents indicated their school had access to ATs, followed the state-mandated concussion guidelines, and had an AED. Although participants reported having written EAPs in place, levels of annual EAP review and practice were low. These results suggest that schools would benefit from educational opportunities to improve safety policies.

PMID:34752627 | DOI:10.4085/1062-6050-0494.20